Need some inspiration for your reading list? Look no further! We have something for everyone… no matter what their age.

With each sailing book is a ‘Buy Now’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Stormchild – Bernard Cornwell

Tim Blackburn becomes a widower when his wife dies in a yacht explosion in the Channel.

Police discover the yacht was bombed and suspect Tim’s estranged daughter, Nicole, could be behind the bombing.

But Tim has not seen Nicole since she joined the outlawed environmental organisation Genesis.

To prove the police wrong, Blackburn goes in search of his daughter in his yacht Stormchild, on a voyage that will take him from England to the Caribbean and the depths of South America.

If you like Stormchild, you might also want to read Cornwell’s other sailing novels – Crackdown, Scoundrel,  Wildtrack or Sea Lord (published as Killer’s Wake in the US)

Buy it now at Foyles (UK)

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The Happy Return – C.S. Forester

The first published novel in the Horatio Hornblower canon, although it is the fifth book in the series, The Happy Return follows Hornblower’s command of the frigate HMS Lydia.

Hornblower has instructions to form an alliance against the Spanish colonies with a mad and messianic revolutionary, El Supremo; to find a water route across the Central American isthmus; and ‘to take, sink, burn or destroy’ the fifty-gun Spanish ship of the line Natividad – or face court-martial.

And as if that wasn’t hard enough, Hornblower must also contend with the charms of an unwanted passenger.

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The Master Mariner – Nicholas Monsarrat

From the author of the classic World War II naval novel, The Cruel Sea, The Master Mariner follows the story of a young Devon sailor, Lawe, who is cursed after a spectacular act of cowardice to “wander the wild waters till all the seas run dry”.

Written in two volumes, the story covers the history of maritime development, from Sir Francis Drake preparing to fight the Spanish fleet to the 1960 opening of the St Lawrence Seaway.

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Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome

Summer holidays certainly evoke nostalgia and what is more nostalgic than revisiting that childhood classic which got you into sailing in the first place!

Arthur Ransome’s story about the adventures of the Walker children in the Lake District in 1929 is still as entertaining as ever.

Swallows and Amazons was also turned into a film in 2016.

Buy it now at Waterstones (UK)

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Skeletons for Sadness – Ewen Southby-Tailyour

Edward Casement and Heather Cooper are flung together on a charter for the Governor of the Falkland islands.

When the Argentine invasion comes, they find themselves drawn into the ensuing conflict – but who is on which side and who can be trusted?

Written by retired Royal Marine and sailor, Ewen Southby-Tailyour, who extensively chartered the waters around the Falkland Islands while stationed at the British Overseas Territory, and assisted British Forces during the Falklands War, this novel will grip you till the very last page.

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Master and Commander – Patrick O’Brian

The first novel in the Aubrey-Maturin epic series, set during the Napoleonic Wars.

Follow the Royal Navy’s Jack Aubrey as he takes command of his first ship, the Sophie, and his first meeting with doctor Stephen Maturin.

Sea battles and and experience as a French prisoner-of-war follow.

If you particularly like the Napoleonic Era, you could try Alexander Kent’s Bolitho series, Dudley Pope’s Ramage or the William Bentley series by Jan Needle.

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Great Circle – Sam Llewellyn

A bestseller when it was first published, the Great Circle is a novel about a yacht race of the same name.

The instructions are simple: sail round the world, leaving the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn to port.

However, finishing the race is not so easy. Participants have to not only content with the challenging weather, but also with their personal demons.

If you enjoy reading Full Circle, pick up one of Llewellyn’s other sailing thrillers, which are set around the fishing village of Pulteney and are, according to the author, designed to “give you all the thrills of yachting with none of the excess moisture, and to keep your heart in your mouth long past your bedtime.”

Try Dead Reckoning, Blood Orange, Blood Knot, Riptide or Maelstrom.

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

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This Thing of Darkness – Harry Thompson

Packed full of action, vivid characters, ideas and explorations of science and religion, this historical novel was longlisted for the 2005 Man Booker Prize.

It’s 1828. Brilliant young naval officer Robert FitzRoy is given command of HMS Beagle, surveying the wilds of Tierra del Fuego.

During the voyage, FitzRoy takes a passenger, the trainee cleric and amateur geologist, Charles Darwin.

This is the story of the friendship between the two men and how, ultimately, it is torn apart.

Buy it now at Waterstones (UK)

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The Riddle of the Sands – Erskine Childers

Childers’ classic novel was immensely popular in the years before World War One and is considered the spy novel which established the genre.

Two young sailors notice dubious German naval activities and find themselves in an atmosphere of mutual suspicion and intrigue which could soon lead to war.

The novel is noted for its characterisation and richly authentic background of inshore sailing, as well as its vivid evocation of the late 1890s and its prediction of the First World War.

Buy it now at Foyles (UK)

Buy it now at Waterstones (UK)

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Challenge – Warwick Collins

The year is 2000. The US Ambassador in Moscow receives an extraordinary message from the USSR – to challenge for sailing’s most prestigious prize – the America’s Cup.

Each country is determined to win this “war without blood”, and will push all those involved to the limits.

Follow the drama of match racing to its chilling conclusion as the superpowers start to look for new ways to express their status.

Part of a trilogy, if you love Challenge you’ll love reading the follow ups: New World, which tracks the fortunes of the Estonian America’s Cup helmsman, Ivan Illich, and Death of an Angel, which follows the Estonian America’s Cup team in 2003.

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

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The post Best sailing books: Immerse yourself in one of these 10 sailing novels appeared first on YBW.

Tabarly

Released in 2008 and nominated for a prestigious Cesar Award for Best Documentary Film, Tabarly is based on the life of  French yachtsman Eric Tabarly who lost his life after falling overboard from his Pen Duick boat off the coast of Wales in June 1998. He was en route to the Fife regatta in Scotland.

Maidentrip

Released in 2013, Maidentrip tells the story of New Zealand-born Dutch teen Laura Dekker, who set out to become the youngest person to sail around the world single-handedly.
Dekker had to fight a Dutch court to be allowed to pursue her dream at such a young age. Finally, in August 2010, she set sail on her epic journey onboard her two-masted ketch and arrived, 5,600 nautical miles later, at Simpson Bay on St Maarten in January 2012 – breaking the world record. She was only 16 years and four months of age.

Racing Around the World Alone

This exhilarating 2010 documentary follows 30 hopeful skippers who take part in the 2008/2009 Vendée Globe race, the single-handed, non stop race around the world without assistance.

Red Dot on the Ocean: The Matt Rutherford Story

This inspiring 2014 documentary tells the story of Matt Rutherford, once a rebellious youth, who bought a sailing boat on the internet without inspecting it first, learnt to sail by himself and at the age of 21 attempted the dangerous voyage to become the first person to sail alone and nonstop around North and South America. Matt’s adventure started in Annapolis, Maryland, where he returned having achieved his goal 309 days later.
The documentary is available to buy on Amazon Prime, Vimeo and Apple iTunes.

Robin Knox-Johnston: A Force of Nature

This BBC documentary was broadcast in June 2018 to mark 50 years since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston set sail from Falmouth to win the original Golden Globe Race thus becoming the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world half a century before. With interviews and original footage, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: A Force of Nature is a fantastic documentary about one of the most legendary British sailors of all times. 

Jean Du Sud Around The World

1984 film Jean Du Sud Around the World tells the story of sailor Yves Gélinas’s solo 28,000 miles circumnavigation aboard his Alberg 30 sloop, Jean-du-Sud. He sails from France to Quebec via the Roaring Forties of the Southern Ocean and Cape Horn.Gélinas shot the 16 mm film in order to share his experience with fellow sailors, especially the use of his self-steering gear. The film was awarded the Palme D’Or twice and has now been re-released in HD.

Taking Flight: Britain’s America’s Cup Challenge

Sir Ben Ainslie wants to bring the America’s Cup to Britain. Credit: Lloyd Images

The documentary, shown on the BBC on 23 July 2016, follows Sir Ben Ainslie and his Land Rover BAR team as they prepare to try and win sport’s oldest international trophy – the America’s Cup. Narrated by presenter Clare Balding, the screening of the documentary coincided with the America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth on 22-24 July.

Deep Water

Narrated by Tilda Swinton and using original 16mm footage, tape recordings and interviews this brilliant 2006 documentary recounts the story of Donald Crowhurst and his fatal attempt to win the first Golden Globe Race in 1968.

Not a skilled yachtsman, Crowhurst entered the race with his boat Teignmouth Electron,  intending to use the prize money to support his failing business. As the weeks went on, he eventually abandoned the race and reported false positions to race organisers, leading everyone to believe he was winning the race, when really he was in last place. His yacht was later found drifting and recovered logbooks indicate that he’d suffered a mental breakdown due to the pressure and the sailor had jumped overboard. The race was eventually won by Robin Knox-Johnston who donated the prize money to Crowhurst’s widow. Available on YouTube and Amazon Prime.

Beyond 360

School teacher Dee Caffari and Spanish veterinarian Anna Corbella join forces in fulfilling the dream of a lifetime: becoming professional sailors. Beyond 360 documents their story as they team up to compete in the Barcelona World Race 2010. Available on Amazon Prime.

Maiden

Released on 8 March 2019 to coincide with International Women’s Day, Maiden is a feature length documentary on Tracy Edwards.

The film tells the story of 24 year-old Edwards, a cook on charter boats, who became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989.

Tracy Edwards had her first Whitbread Round the World Race experience working in the galley of the boat Atlantic Privateer. She enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to take part as a skipper and three years later she bought the 58ft yacht Maiden. Edwards put together an all – and first – female crew and entered the race. The crew went on to win two of the Whitbread legs and came second in class overall.

Tracy Edwards documentary ‘Maiden’ to be released nationwide on International Women’s Day

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Das Boot (1981)

With its instantly recognisable score, Das Boot is an epic war film following the fictional story of U-96 and its crew.

As the German submarine patrols the Atlantic Ocean during World War Two, the crew must deal with near misses, bad weather and boredom as they live in the confined space of their U-boat.

The suspense can be felt throughout the film, as the submarine’s captain (Jürgen Prochnow) struggles to keep up the morale of his men as they deal with damage to the U-boat and dwindling supplies.

The ending will leave you numb!

Dead Calm (1989)

This is one sailing trip you NEVER want to experience!

This psychological thriller is based on the 1963 novel Dead Calm by Charles F. Williams.

It sees Rae Ingram (Nicole Kidman) and her husband, John (Sam Neill) go to the aid of Hughie Warriner (Billy Zane), who they find on his damaged boat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Claiming the rest of the crew have died, Warriner is invited on board.

What follows is the ultimate battle for survival.

The Bounty (1984)

The infamous mutiny of the HMS Bounty has spawned several films.

In this version, Captain Bligh (Anthony Hopkins) is facing a court marshall for the loss of the HMS Bounty after the crew mutiny, led by Bligh’s former friend, Christian Fletcher (Mel Gibson).

Told through flashbacks, the film charts the initial voyage to Tahiti, Captain Bligh’s struggle to retain control after his crew fraternises with the locals and the subsequent revolt by his men.

It follows the perilous journey of Captain Bligh and his few loyal crew, as they attempt to find their way back to the Dutch East Indies, as well as Fletcher’s voyage back to Tahiti and the realisation that he and his men can’t remain on the Pacific island.

Violets Are Blue (1986)

This romantic comedy drama follows the return of photographer, Gussie (Sissy Spacek), to her home town on the coast after 15 years away.

Back home, she reconnects with her now married high school sweetheart, Henry (Kevin Kline) and discovers they both still have feelings for each other.

Look out for the sailing scenes on board a lovely sloop and a Hobie cat race.

Blue Water Odyssey (1988)

If you are thinking (or just dreaming) of circumnavigating then this documentary is definitely worth a watch.

Blue Water Odyssey follows the Driscoll family on board the original Sea Witch as they sail around the world in five years.

Although it looks a bit dated, it has some great sailing sequences.

With Jean-du-Sud Around the World (1983)

Many consider this the greatest sailing film of all time.

With Jean Du Sud Around the World follows sailor Yves Gélinas’ solo 28,000 miles circumnavigation aboard his Alberg 30 sloop, Jean-du-Sud.

He sails from France to Quebec via the Roaring Forties of the Southern Ocean and Cape Horn.

Gélinas shot the 16 mm film in order to share his experience with fellow sailors, especially the use of his self-steering gear.

The film was awarded the Palme D’Or twice and has now been re-released in High Definition.

A must see for any sailor!

Yellowbeard (1983)

Expect plenty of laughter and hilarity from this film, which stars Monty Python’s Graham Chapman as the main character, Yellowbeard.

The infamous pirate escapes prison in search of his treasure which he has buried decades earlier.

Discovering that the only map to its location has been tattooed onto the head of his son, Dan (Martin Hewitt), Yellowbeard sets out on the high seas with his son and crew.

However, it seems that Yellowbeard is not the only one after the treasure….and faces competition from the likes of his former bosun Mr. Moon (Peter Boyle) and the Head of the British Secret Service (Eric Idle).

Midnight Crossing (1988)

A thriller about lust and greed with a lot of action taking place on a sloop.

When Jeff Schubb (John Laughlin) and his wife, Alexa (Kim Cattrall) go cruising to the Bahamas with Alexa’s employer, Morely Barton (Daniel J Travanti) and his wife Helen (Faye Dunaway), it is far from a dream holiday.

Once at sea, Morely suggests sailing to an island off Cuba, where he has hidden his fortune, offering Jeff half the money for his help.

What follows is a dangerous voyage, where the four face threats from pirates as well as from each other.

The Philadelphia Experiment (1984)

This science fiction film is based on the urban legend of the Philadelphia Experiment, where the US Navy is alleged to have cloaked the USS Eldridge to enemies during World War Two.

Initially set in 1943, the movie follows two sailors, David Herdeg (Michael Paré) and Jim Parker (Bobby Di Cicco).

They are stationed on a ship used for an experiment to make it invisible to radar.

When the experiment goes wrong, the pair find themselves in 1984.

Death Ship (1980)

A sailing horror film set on board a “killer” Nazi torture ship.

When survivors from a cruise ship disaster board a mysterious black ship, little do they know that they would have been better off staying on their makeshift lifeboat!

The deserted vessel seems to have “a life of its own” and one by one, the survivors are dispatched.

Not recommended viewing for those who scare easily.

The post Top 10 best boat-themed films of the 1980s appeared first on YBW.

The first sailing boats:

Visual depictions of sailing boats have been dated as far back as 5500 BCE, discovered on painted discs from ancient Mesopotamia found in modern day Kuwait. These sailing boats, used on the Nile River, were simple, square-rigged reed ships with a single square papyrus sail attached to a mast. Ancient civilisations including the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used sailing boats, and many cultures and practitioners have contributed to advancements in the science and practice of sailing over the millennia.

Polynesians sailed dugout outrigger canoes to colonise islands, using sticks to create navigational charts of wave patterns and currents that experienced pilots would commit to memory. Arab, Chinese and Indian cultures all had prehistoric sailing traditions. Although Norse Viking ships supplemented sail power with oars but managed to do that cross between the Atlantic’s northern islands, and as far as North America, mostly under sail. And European societies took up the mantle of innovating sailing technologies and techniques during the so-called Age of Discovery.

Steering oars and rudders:

As sailing and navigation increased in importance, ancient cultures began to innovate and improve sailing technology. One crucial technological advancement was the steering oar — an innovation that predated more modern stern-mounted rudders and allowed for the construction of larger boats.

A steering oar was a basic lever – typically an oversized oar or board – attached amidship on the starboard (an etymological derivation of the original ‘steerboard’) side of the vessel or at the stern. The innovation allowed a helmsman to pilot the craft more accurately.

Viking ships exclusively used steering oars. Smaller boats, for example punts on English waterways, still use a basic version of the steering oar.

The invention of the stern-mounted rudder is credited to the Chinese, who came up with the idea of affixing a manoeuvrable steering apparatus to the back of a ship’s hull during or before the first century AD during the Han Dynasty. It took Western civilisations another thousand years to affix a stern-mounted rudder to ships.

Celestial navigation by the stars:

The prospect of navigating through a featureless landscape – like the sea at night – is still a daunting one for the uninitiated, and the fact that ancient cultures were able to achieve it is a testament to human ingenuity.

Celestial navigation is the method by which ancient mariners piloted in darkness or when out of sight of land. The method requires angular measurements taken between heavenly bodies and the horizon as well as accurate time keeping to keep a ship on course.

Written records of the practice go back to the mythical text of Homer’s Odyssey written nearly 3,000 years ago. In the story, the nymph Calypso tells the hero Ulysses to keep the constellation of stars known as the Bear, Ursa Major and The Big Dipper, on his left hand side while observing the position of several other constellations to aid in his position.

The keel:

A structural beam that runs from a ship’s bow to its stern and sits lower than the rest of the hull, the keel was first invented by those intrepid Norse sailing men known as Vikings. Because their sailing ships were square-rigged, they were prone to making a lot of leeway when tacking close to the wind. The addition of a keel prevented this lateral movement, increased speed and made Viking ships more stable.

Initially, keels were small and didn’t increase boats’ draughts a great deal. Modern fixed keels can be quite deep and restrict yachts from sailing in shallow waters, but the innovation of fixed keels has also made designing for stability in modern boats much easier.

Many keels add ballast to boats and lower the centre of gravity, helping to keep them from capsizing. On racing yachts, for instance a canting keel provides righting momentum to keep the yachts upright.

The lateen (triangular) sail:

One of the biggest jumps in the history of sailing technology was the invention of the lateen or latin-rig sail. The lateen is a triangular sail mounted at an angle and running in a fore-and-aft direction. With a manoeuvre called ‘tacking,’ the sail allows boats to make way to windward in a zig-zagging fashion.

Though its exact origin is unknown, the lateen sail is the earliest-known fore-and-aft rigged sail and was in use in Greece in the first century BC. It is believed to have been introduced to the Mediterranean region by Arabic or Persian sailors. Polynesians also invented a mastless lateen-rigged sail that is very different in construction from that used in the Mediterranean.

The lateen sail effectively allowed for the advent of the Age of Discovery.

The carrack and the first circumnavigation of the earth:

It was a carrack ship that completed the first full circumnavigation of the world. It took the Spanish expedition two captains and nearly four years to make the voyage. Portuguese captain Ferdinand Magellan, who initially led the expedition, set off from Spain in 1519 and died in the Philippines in 1521. Juan Sebastian Elcano brought the carrack ship Victoria – the only one of five ships that started the expedition to survive the trip – back to Spain in 1522.

Carracks were three- to four-masted sailing ships developed by Genoan sailors in the 15th century for use in commerce. Their spacious cargo holds made them good for long-distance exploration and they were important in advancing European colonial expansion leading up to the Age of Discovery. Ocean-going ships that were large enough to be stable in heavy seas, carracks were square-rigged on the fore and main masts and lateen-rigged on the mizzenmast.

Marine engines:

The carrack was by no means the final word in ship design, and faster ships – like the clippers – succeeded it and shortened the duration of trips to transport goods and people around the world. But the next major advancement in marine technology was the engine.

The first marine engines were steam powered and were adapted for ships nearly a century after Thomas Newcomen created the first commercially successful steam engine in 1712.

Scottish engineer William Symington built the world’s “first practical steamboat,” the Charlotte Dundas, in 1802. The first transatlantic trip by steamboat happened 17 years later in 1819 when another ship named Savannah sailed from Savannah, Georgia, in the US to Liverpool, England. Innovation of the technology continued throughout the 19th century and was eventually overtaken by diesel-powered engines. The obvious impact of the technology was to enable ships to sail at consistent speeds even when winds or sailing conditions were unfavourable.

EPIRBs :

The advent of Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) has made sailing a much safer endeavour.

EIPRBs are tracking transmitters that communicate with the Cospas-Sarsat service, an international satellite system used for search and rescue (SAR) operations.

Although they can be manually activated, EPIRBs provide an additional measure of safety in catastrophic situations by the fact that they are automatically activated when, for example, a boat capsizes. The beacons send out a distress signal monitored by a worldwide system of satellites that aid rescue efforts to find survivors.

According to the Cospas-Sarsat service, since its beginnings in 1979, distress radio beacons have assisted in the rescue of tens of thousands of people in distress situations.

GPS navigation:

With the rather complex history of navigational techniques we’ve noted – from celestial to stick charts – a reliable way to find the position of your boat on the open ocean is of crucial importance.

The latest leap forward in navigation came when boats began to be equipped with GPS units. Operating in fundamentally the same way as the Sat Nav that guides you while you drive, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers have made marine navigation less dependent on paper charts and more dependent on electronic ones.

GPS receivers are part of a space-based navigation system that provides location and time information in all weather conditions, anywhere on Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites.

We’ve come a long way since the days of sailing by the stars. Now we’re sailing with the aid of heavenly bodies that are man made.

Internet on board: 

Yes, believe it or not, it’s possible to logon and login while sitting on a boat in the middle of the ocean. But it’s not cheap.

The democratisation of information has hit the high seas with satellite internet options available far away from land and high-speed wi-fi from on-shore hotspots or personal hotspots transmitted via mobile phone.

The problem, however, is that the price is not very democratic. Depending on your desire for data, you can spend thousands on keeping connected.

According to service and hardware provider Global Marine Networks, the hardware setup for satellite internet can cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $15,000. And monthly tariffs run from $50 for email and weather data or into the thousands if you’re a heavy user.

Of course, costs will decrease as technology improves, and the fact that it’s even possible to stay connected to loved ones or even stream a movie while at sea is another sign that we’re living in a world only predicted by science fiction.

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1 – Spend more time on your boat

We all want to spend as much time as possible on boats but sometimes life gets in the way. Take a look at your monthly or yearly calendar in advance and book in time on your boats on those days and weekends when you have nothing already planned. Talk to your local yacht club about events and make sure you attend.

2 – Do more maintenance

It’s more fun to cruise and sail than to apply antifouling, let’s be honest, but boat checks and maintenance are essential, so make sure you do them and get friends and family to help you, in return for a glorious day out on your boat.

3 – Visit the place of your dreams

We all have that place we’ve always wanted to sail to. It doesn’t have to be remote and exotic, it can simply be a beautiful local spot. Make sure 2019 is the year you visit the place of your dreams.

4 – Learn new skills

Join a local club, buy yourself a boating guide, speak to other sailors and boaters and swap skills. You’ll get better at boating and feel a great sense of achievement.

5 – Help to keep beaches and waters clean

Credit: epSos.de/Wikimedia Commons

Why not volunteer a few times and help to pick up rubbish from the beach or the sea? A clean environment benefits everyone.

6 – Share your love of boating with non boaters

Why not take your loved ones who may not quite share your passion, on a day trip out or teach them a few skills, so that they can enjoy boating as much as you do? Sharing is caring!

7 – Try a different type of boating

You love motor boats but perhaps you’ve never sailed? Why not expand your horizons and try something new!

8 – Make sure you are always safe and others are too

Safety on boats is hugely important. If you have sometimes forgotten to wear your life jacket, not checked the tides, had that extra beer or haven’t done the appropriate boat maintenance, make sure this changes and safety becomes a priority in 2019.

9 – Enjoy a trip on the boat of your dreams

OK, not everyone has the chance to sail on the Maltese Falcon, but if there’s a boat you’ve always loved, why not try to go on a test drive? If a friend owns that Princess you’ve always coveted, ask them nicely to take you on a day trip, and perhaps even let you drive. The worse that can happen is that they’ll say no.

10 – Cruise to a place you’d never think you’d go to

Perhaps your ideal trip is to the Caribbean in 30 degrees heat. That’s absolutely fine, but why not try something different, such as winter boating? You may discover a whole new passion and lots of different places you never thought existed.

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January

107 metre superyacht Ulysses not sold to Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, spokesperson confirms

Ulysses has been purchased by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg

When explorer superyacht Ulysses was sold for an undisclosed sum at the beginning of the year, rumours circulated that Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg was the new owner of the 107 metre luxury vessel. Read the full story here.

February

American couple sell their belonging to embark on a sailing trip but sink twice in two days 

The US couple’s boat sunk in minutes

A US couple from Colorado who used their life savings and sold their belongings to buy a 28ft sailboat and planned to sail to the Caribbean and then around the world lost their boat 48 hours into their voyage. Read the full story here.

March

The Spanish Guardia Civil has issued a warrant for Simon Corner, the ex-boyfriend of Lisa Brown

Yacht dealer, Simon Corner.

The Spanish Guardia Civil launched a manhunt after Lisa Brown’s boyfriend Simon Corner broke his bail by failing to sign in at a police station last month.

Yacht dealer Corner is a suspect in the disappearance of former girlfriend Lisa Brown, who went missing in mysterious circumstances on 4 November 2015. Read the full story here.

April

Director of Stormforce Coaching Limited, Douglas Innes, has been cleared of the manslaughter of the four men on board Cheeki Rafiki

Douglas Innes is facing four counts of manslaughter by gross negligence, which he denies. Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Douglas Innes has been given a suspended jail sentence.

The director of Stormforce Coaching Limited was given a 15-month jail term, suspended for two years, for failing to ensure the safety of Andrew Bridge, 22, James Male, 22, Steve Warren, 52, and Paul Goslin, 56 who all lost their lives when Cheeki Rafiki capsized in the Atlantic in May 2014.

The 43-year-old’s company, Stormforce Coaching Limited – which has gone into liquidation – was fined £50,000. Read the full story here.

May

Video: Take a look inside Lord Alan Sugar’s luxury superyacht, Lady A, on the market for €14 million

The Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar put his luxury superyacht – Lady A – on the market last summer, after the stunning craft underwent a year-long refit.

On sale through the superyacht brokers Edmiston, the British business magnate and Apprentice star is asking €14 million, around £12.34 million, for the 181-foot vessel. Read the full story here.

June

WATCH: First look at Volvo Penta’s self-docking yacht technology launching in 2020

Aiming to tackle one of boating’s trickiest manoeuvres – docking – Volvo Penta has unveiled an advanced self-docking solution, launching in 2020. Read the full article and watch the video demonstration here.

July

Toyota Motor Europe sponsors Energy Observer, the hydrogen-powered ship on a world search for renewable energy solutions

Sponsored by Toyota Motor Europe, ship Energy Observer is setting off on a six year journey around the world in search of cleaner energy solutions for the planet. Read the full story here. 

August

Norwegian billionaire builds REV – one of the largest Research Expedition Vessel’s ever built

Norwegian industrialist Kjell Inge Røkke has commissioned the build of 182-metre long expedition vessel, REV. The craft will be used for monitoring and surveying marine areas, currents, the seabed, fish, animals and plant life in all of the world’s oceans.
Read the full story here.

September

Tracy Edwards’ iconic Maiden is coming home

Tracy Edwards (centre) reunites with the ÔMaidenÕ crew to celebrate ahead of the 30th anniversary since they became the first all-female team to sail around the world, London.

In September the Tracy Edwards’ documentary ‘Maiden’ premiered at the Toronto film festival (click here for more details)

This year, Tracy Edwards and her 1990 all female Whitbread Round the World Race crew, marked the full restoration of their yacht Maiden in London.

The yacht will set off for a three year project to promote girls’ education around the world and raise money to fund projects to empower young women. Read the full story.

October

Man attempts World Record for sailing largest pumpkin boat

It was Halloween after all! Tom Pearcy, who owns York Maze, sailed a boat made out of a huge hollowed out pumpkin on Monday (29 October). The pumpkin weighed 619kg (97.5 stone) and was lowered into the river Ouse before Pearcy could paddle down between the Ouse Bridge and Skeldergate Bridge. Read the full story here. 

November

Cox Powertrain launches the CXO300, the world’s highest-powered diesel outboard

Cox Powertrain unveiled the CXO300 – the world’s first 300hp diesel outboard engine. The engine was revealed for the first time at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (31 October – 4 November) and it’s aimed at commercial, military and professional boat operation, and the recreational boating market too. Read the full story here.

December

Cruising Association submits document asking for clarification on Greek Cruising Tax

Following the announcement that the Greek government is to implement the TEPAH cruising tax, the Cruising Association has submitted a 9-page document to the head of the Indirect Taxation Implementation department, asking for clarification on the registration and payment process of the tax. The tax was supposed to be implemented immediately, but has now been postponed until the beginning of April. Read the full story here.

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The post Top 10 most popular news stories of 2018 appeared first on YBW.

*YBW is not paid by developers for our recommendations. If you click through and buy an item, we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer, at no cost to you.*

AyeTides

This popular boating app provides users with tables of daily and future tides and interactive graphs for over 12,500. It also provides information on sunrise and moon rise. It does not require a network connection.

Availability: iOS and iPad

Price: £7.99

Buy it now on the App Store

Garmin Activecaptain

Garmin Activecaptain connects to Garmin chartplotter, charts, maps, provides unlimited access to the user’s cartography. It also connects to the ActiveCaptain community to share information on routes, marinas and much more. It allows the user to create routes, save them and transfer them between the app and chartplotter. Can upload and download the latest Garmin Quickdraw Contours content from the community.

Availability: Android and iOS.

Price: Free, in-app purchases apply.

Navionics

A superb and popular sailing and cruising app. Users can access nautical charts with tides and currents, informations on marinas and ports, see and create Sonar charts, share information with other users, locate fishing areas and more.

Availability: Android and iOS.

Price: Free, annual fees and subscription depending on location applies (UK, Ireland and Holland £32.99).

Knot Guide

Easy to follow knot guide with step-by-step guide and instructions and plenty of knot types to choose from.

Availability: iOS and Android.

Price: Free

GRIBView by Theyr

High resolution weather forecast built on precise data from 10km down to 1km resolution on an hourly time step. Free global forecast data with overview of the oncoming weather. Can be downloaded for offline use which offer free offline charts with no need for internet connection. It was used during the 2018 Round The Island Race.

Availability: iOS, Android and iPad.

Price: Subscription $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year.

Windfinder Pro

Detailed information on wind, tides and weather forecast in over 8,000 locations around the world. Animated maps for temperature and precipitations. Topographic maps and satellite images.

Availability: Android and iOS.

Price: £7.99

Buy it now on the App Store

Transas iSailor

Created for amateur boaters,  Transas iSailor provides navigation information and electronic charts. It offers wind and tides forecast, information on marinas and routes, sailing guides and plenty more navigational features.

Availability: Android and iOS.

Price: Free, in app purchases apply.

DROTR

Not created specifically for sailing but DROTR is very useful when travelling as it translates voice calls, text messages, documents and conference calls in several languages in real time. Users can save files and download conversations.

Availability: iOS and Android.

Price: Free

Marine Traffic

Marine Traffic displays the locations of yachts and ships in quasi real time. It covers major ports and shipping routes and is connected to the largest network of AIS receivers.

Availability: iOS and Android.

Price: £4.99, in-app purchases apply.

Buy it now on the App Store

NaviPlotter

Navigational charts, trip and route planning tools, real time tracking, weather and tides forecast, moon and sun times, live AIS vessel positions, marine vector charts and more.

Availability: iOS and Apple Watch.

Price: Free, in-app purchases apply.

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The post Best sailing apps: top apps for sailors and boaters appeared first on YBW.

Terence Morgan as Sir Francis Drake in Sir Francis Drake

English actor Terence Morgan played Sir Francis Drake in the 1961 TV series. The series focused on Drake’s well known voyages and world circumnavigation in a single expedition.

Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin as Tami Oldham Ashcroft and Richard Sharp in Adrift

Released this year, Adrift is loosely based on the story of young couple Tami Oldham Ashcroft and Richard Sharp, who, in 1983, decide to deliver yacht Hazana, sailing  4,000 miles from Tahiti to San Diego. During the journey the couple get caught in Hurricane Raymond. When Ashcroft awakens from unconsciousness after 27 hours, she realises that Sharp is nowhere to be found and their boat has suffered serious damage. Tami Oldham Ashcroft has to repair the yacht as much as she can and sail using a makeshift sail and a sextant for 41 days until she can reach Hilo in Hawaii.

Jeff Bridges as Captain Christopher Sheldon in White Squall

Starring Jeff Bridges as Captain Christopher Sheldon, White Squall is the fictionalised story of the Albatross, a ship which sank in 1961 during an Ocean Academy Ltd sailing trip. Fourteen teenagers were on the boat when it hit a squall 200km west of Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico. Six people lost their lives, including the academy owner Captain Christopher Sheldon’s wife Alice, four students and the ship’s cook.

Colin Firth as Donald Crowhurst in The Mercy

Colin Firth played amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst in The Mercy, a film released this year about his failed attempt to win the first Golden Globe Race in 1968.  After running into trouble at sea, the British businessman is believed to have committed suicide while competing in the circumnavigation event, which saw Sir Robin Knox-Johnston crowned the winner.

Pål Sverre Hagen as Thor Heyerdhal in Kon-Tiki

Actor Pål Sverre Hagen played Norwegian explorer and ethnographer Thor Heyerdhal who in 1947 embarked on his Kon-Tiki voyage, sailing from South America to the Tuamotu Islands in Polynesia in a hand-built raft to prove that ancient people could have made long sea voyages. Despite a couple of accidents along the way, Heyerdhal made the journey and arrived at his destination.

Gerard Depardieu as Christopher Columbus in 1492: Conquest of Paradise

Directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1992, 1492: Conquest of Paradise tells the story of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, played by French actor Gerard Depardieu, and his discovery of the Americas.

Clara Paget as Anne Bonny in Black Sails

British actress Clara Paget played Irish Anne Bonny, one of the most famous female pirates of all times who active in the Caribbean in the 1700s. TV series Black Sails (2014-17) is a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s fictional ‘Treasure Island’ and tells the story of Captain Flint and his gang of pirates.

Lambert Wilson as Jacques Cousteau in The Odyssey

French actor Lambert Wilson plays Jacques Cousteau in this biopic of the explorer, naval officer, conservationist, researcher, scientist and aqualung co-creator’s extraordinary life.

Keith Michell as James Cook in Captain James Cook

Australian actor Keith Michell portrayed explorer and navigator Captain James Cook in the eponymous 1988 mini TV series. Quite an apt choice of actor considering that Cook’s maps of Newfoundland are the first recorded documents of Europeans contact with the eastern coast of Australia.

Peter Ustinov as Blackbeard in Blackbeard’s Ghost

Edward Thatch, better known as Blackbeard, was arguably one of the most famous pirates of all times. Many actors have played him, including James Purefoy recently, but for a bit of fun, you can’t beat iconic actor Peter Ustinov in 1968’s film Blackbeard’s Ghost.

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The post 10 Actors who’ve played real life sailors and explorers appeared first on YBW.

Alison Melia, a marine insurance specialist at Insure4Boats with almost 20 years’ experience, looks at the 10 most common boat insurance claims and offers some advice to boat owners on how to keep their vessels safe.

1 – Theft of boat

Unsurprisingly, boat thefts account for a high proportion of claims. The primary targets for theft are jet skis and August is a popular month for boat theft.

Thankfully, there are several actions you can take to avoid your boat being stolen. Installing an anti-theft device such as a Digitally Encoded Security System (DESS), marking your watercraft’s Hull Number and taking photos of it for identification purposes, to name a few.

2 – Theft from boat

A variety of items are stolen from boats, with the most common being outboard motors and generators. Most of these thefts take place during the warmer months of the year between April and September, so now is the time to make sure you’ve taken every possible measure to protect your on-board items.

These could include maintaining an up-to-date inventory of boat contents and stamping your items with some form of personal identification such as your postcode.

3 – Collision with underwater object

This type of incident can be especially disheartening for boat owners. It is usually caused by inexperience, unfamiliar surroundings, murky water or floating debris.

You can lessen the risk of colliding with an underwater object by installing a GPS unit or consulting with other boat owners when sailing through somewhere you don’t know well.

Monitoring the tidal stream on objects in front of the boat, such as buoys, also provides an indication of whether there are objects beneath the water.

4 – Collision with another vessel

It won’t surprise you to learn that collisions are the number one cause of boat insurance claims in the UK.

Collisions often occur when the operator either mistimes a manoeuvre or is driving the boat too fast to react to another boat coming towards them.

Jet skis and motorboats are the most common types of boats to collide with another vessel and these collisions can be very costly, resulting in several thousands of pounds worth of damage.

5 – Sinking

Sinking is usually the most expensive form of boating incident, with some claims costing tens of thousands of pounds. The extent of damage caused by sinking can range from engine control damage to the total loss of a boat.

Despite this, many boat owners believe their vessel would only sink in the worst-case scenario. However, bad weather, excessive corrosion and slipping the moorings can all cause your boat to sink.

6 – Loss of tender

Although cruising the sea with a towed tender enhances a boating experience, tender losses can be expensive.

As recently as last August, Insure4Boats received a claim worth over £42,000 from a motorboat owner after they lost their Williams jet tender in heavy seas.

To avoid this extremely unfortunate fate, it’s worth investigating various websites and forums to establish how to properly secure your tender, if you feel like you need further guidance.

7 – Storm damage

As any experienced boater will tell you, the term ‘storm damage’ doesn’t just apply to the enormous hurricanes you’d see in The Perfect Storm.

Even a strong gust of wind can damage the pulpit and result in a claim worth several thousands of pounds – as we know from recent first-hand experience, having received a claim for such damage.

That’s why it’s always worth double-checking the wind speed and direction, surf height, tidal range and tide times before setting sail.

The BBC Shipping Forecast on Radio 4 provides details of the above and is broadcast four times a day at 00:48, 05:20, 12:01 and 17:54.

8 – Malicious damage

It’s not just weather-related damage you need to consider as a boat owner – malicious damage is another very common boat insurance claim.

Just recently, one of our policyholders made a claim following malicious damage to an internal seacock in his sailing yacht, which resulted in the vessel filling up with water.

Most instances of malicious damage take place while the owner is away from their boat, which is why protecting your property with specialist boat insurance is so important.

9 – Grounding

Grounding can cause serious structural damage to your boat and can have significant financial implications. As with sinking, insurance claims relating to grounding can be tens of thousands of pounds, potentially resulting in the total loss of your boat.

When you think of grounding, you may imagine a reckless driver who hasn’t anticipated the dangers of the hard ground around them. However, grounding can result from something as innocuous as the vessel drifting overnight and hitting some rocks.

If your boat ever suffers grounding damage, it should be prevented from sailing until a thorough inspection has been carried out to ensure the bilge is not filling with water.

10 – Fire

Boat fires are becoming increasingly rare, especially with all the sophisticated fire alarms and detection systems on the market.

However, although boat fires are among the less common type of boat insurance claims, like grounding, they can result in the total loss of a boat.

A boat fire can be due to anything from an electrical fault to an explosion, and even the smallest fires result in high costs to put right.

To keep your boat as fireproof as possible, you should always keep fire extinguishers on board and make sure your extinguishers and blankets are still in-date. You should also check your engine for fluid leakages and make sure all electrical connections are tight and corrosion-free.

If you are unsure or need further advice on the correct safety equipment, get advice from a qualified marine surveyor.

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The post 10 Most common boat insurance claims appeared first on YBW.

Tiger Woods – Privacy

Tiger Woods‘ £20m, 155ft-long yacht features a 2,000 gallon water tank, five guest rooms, a jacuzzi, a gym, a lift, a sky-lounge bar, a walk-in refrigerator, a deck dining area and two built-in wall safes. The golf champion recently moored his superyacht at the Montauk Yacht Club, where he stayed during the US Open. He was clearly in need of Privacy…

Roman Abramovich – Eclipse

Built by German shipyard Blohm+ Voss, Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse is considered the second largest superyacht at 533 ft 2 in. Estimated to have cost €340 million, the yacht boats 24 guest cabins, two helipads, three launch boats, a mini submarine, and two pools. It takes 70 crew to keep the yacht running and to make sure that Abramovich and his VIP guests’ needs are met 24/7.

Paul Allen – MV Tatoosh

At 303 ft, Tatoosh is smaller than Microsoft’s Paul Allen superyacht, the 416 foot Octopus, but has everything needed for a holiday in the lap of luxury.

Bought in 2001 for $100m, Tatoosh has an owner’s cabin, 9 guest staterooms, two crew cabins, a cinema, a swimming pool with adjustable depth and two helipads.

At the beginning of 2016 Tatoosh dropped anchor on a coral reef in the Cayman Islands, causing damage. A committed environmentalist, the Microsoft co-founder, who was not on board at the time, paid an undisclosed sum to the local government, who invested the money in new moorings to avoid further damage to the protected reef.

Johnny Depp/J.K. Rowling – Vajoliroja

Formerly owned by actor Johnny Depp, luxury yacht Vajoliroja was purchased by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling in 2016 for £22 million.

The craft boasts five cabins, plus five more for crew, opulent saloons in bohemian style, entertainment areas and all kinds of toys, such as waterskis and kayaks.

The 156ft Vajoliroja has now been named Arriva and is up for sale.

Lord Alan Sugar – Lady A

Currently on sale for £12.34 million, Lord Alan Sugar’s 181ft superyacht was put on the market in the summer of 2017 after undergoing a year long refit.

The Jon Bannenberg designed Lady A boasts an owner’s cabin with jacuzzi, private shower, study and en suite and six guest cabins.

Perfect for entertaining, it offers large sunbathing areas, a seated bar, jacuzzi, sun awnings, and two private, lounges at the foredeck. Inside, the upgraded interior features walnut cabinetry and solid timber floors.

Giorgio Armani – Main

Just like its owner, Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, Main is known for its elegant and sophisticated design.

Built by Codecasa and delivered in 2008, the 150ft superyacht features a minimalist interior, with a colour palette of chic black and grey complementing the blonde birch wood floors and blinds. The light both inside and outside is soft, allowing for plenty of shaded areas, as well as relaxing ones for sunbathing.
The yacht has a master’s stateroom, six guest cabins, and eight crew cabins, a sundeck, an indoor gym, a hot tub and a cinema. The interiors of Main were designed by Giorgio Armani himself.

Andrey Melnichenko – Sailing Yacht A

Rather than his owner, the real celebrity here is the boat.

The 142-metre yacht built for Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, one of Russia’s 10 richest people, Sailing Yacht A is easily recognised by the three composite carbon fibre masts that are reportedly the largest and most technologically advanced free-standing masts in the world.

The mogul reportedly spent $400 million on the yacht, which he helped to design. The boat has eight decks, can sleep up to 20 guests and is said to need a crew of 54.

One of the yacht’s most talked about features is the huge 193-square-foot curved glass observation pod in the vessel’s hull allowing the billionaire and his guests undersea views.

Designed by Philippe Starck, who also designed Melnichenko’s previous vessel Motor Yacht A, Sailing Yacht A was built by shipyard German Naval Yards in Kiel and has been one of the most talked about boats of the last two years.

Joe Lewis – Aviva

Owned by Tottenham Hotspur shareholder Joe Lewis, Aviva was built by German shipyard Abeking and Rasmussen and designed by Raymond Langton.
The superyacht is 98.4 in length, has 17.24 beam, sleeps up to 12 guests in six cabins plus 35 crew and one of its most impressive features is that it boasts a full size tennis court.

Roberto Cavalli – Baglietto

Just like the bold Italian fashion designer, Baglietto is colourful and full of character and certainly wants to be seen with its hull painted in shimmering purple, gold and aqua hues.

Built by Baglietto, this 150ft yacht is valued at $50m and has entertained many of Roberto Cavalli’s celebrity friends, including David and Victoria Beckham and the actress Sharon Stone.

Barry Diller and Diane von Fürstenberg – Eos

Valued at £116.5 million, billionaire media mogul Barry Diller and his fashion designer wife, Diane von Fürstenberg’s sailing yacht Eos, is not just one of the world’s most beautiful, but also most expensive.

This 304.89ft custom Bermuda rigged schooner was build by the world famous Lürssen shipyard and was delivered in 2006. In 2013 it underwent a refit following a fire on board.

Eos’ interior has been designed by François Catroux, named by Vanity Fair as the “Über-Rich’s Favorite Interior Designer”.

Eos can sleep up to 16 guests and 21 crew and features a displacement aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. This schooner has plenty of toys and tenders to keep guests entertained at sea.

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The post 10 Most stunning celebrity superyachts: Luxury knows no boundaries appeared first on YBW.

Each year The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) releases the 10 most popular boat names.

BoatUS researches thousands of monikers to compile the list and inspire boaters to pick the perfect one for their vessel.

Some names appear almost every year, albeit in different positions, others are brand new or come back into fashion after years of not making the list. See which ones have made the top 10 list this year!

BoatUS 2018 top boat names:

1. Grace
2. Freedom
3. Seas the Day
4. Therapy
5. Second Wind
6. Serenity
7. Perseverance
8. Rum Runner
9. Knot on Call
10. Pura Vida

Continues below…

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The top name for this year epitomises elegance and indeed grace at sea, but Grace did not make the list last year.
Serenity, at number 6 this year, was the most popular name in 2017. Who doesn’t love a pun? Seas the Day lost one place and went down from number two to three, but it’s still a much loved moniker. Therapy is a new entry and didn’t make the list in 2017 or 2016, as didn’t Second Wind, Perseverance, Rum Runner or Knot on Call.
Pure Vida also didn’t make the list in the last two years, but with the meaning of ‘Pure Life’, that’s certainly a name chosen by those who want to enjoy life to the full.

The post Top 10 boat names for 2018 revealed appeared first on YBW.

From the iconic Camper and Nicholson-designed  J-Class, Endeavour to the showstopping Maltese Falcon, each of these stunning yachts are guaranteed to get adoring looks wherever they sail to in the world. With sleek exteriors and state of the art interiors, these vessels are the ultimate way to sail in sheer luxury.

Valquest – £8.87 million

From the pen of the legendary Ed Dubois, Valquest has a sleek look, helped by its low profile deckhouse.

The all-aluminium sailing yacht has a modern interior, with stunning white leather and mahogany throughout the 40.8-metre (133.7ft) ship.

She was delivered in 2009 by the Dutch yard Bloemsma van Breemen, which also built Lionheart, the first J-Class with an aluminium hull.

On board, an exclusive guest list of up to nine people can be luxuriously accommodated in a large owner’s suite, two double and one twin cabin – all with en suite shower facilities and state-of-the-art entertainment centres.

The split-level main saloon really impresses: skylights allow plenty of natural light, while the stunning separate dining room and bar is ideal for formal dining and entertaining.

For those wanting to relax on deck, a covered social area is perfect for alfresco parties.

Valquest is currently on the market and can be inspected in Monaco.

Bliss – £10.83 million

One of the few sporty composite sailing superyachts currently on the market, Bliss is a yacht designed to serve two masters – those who have a passion to cruise the world and those who love the thrill of racing.

She was launched in 2010 by Yachting Developments, New Zealand, which was responsible for the refit of the America’s Cup J-Class, Endeavour and for restoring Sir Peter Blake’s first yacht – Bandit.

Another beauty from the design boards of Dubois Naval Architects, Bliss has a characteristic sleek exterior.

Inside she doesn’t disappoint, with a contemporary and luxurious interior décor by Design Unlimited, featuring a palette of white, grey, red and black.

The 36.8-metre (120.7ft) Bliss can take up to 10 guests in three cabins.

Shenandoah of Sark – £13.68 million

Credit: Getty Images

A must for the true sailing connoisseur, Shenandoah of Sark has to be one of the most unique and desirable yachts in the world.

This classic 1902 three-masted gaff rigged schooner has a rich history and was built to be the ultimate retirement luxury by one of the richest bankers in America, Charles Fahnestock.

She is a true tribute to the bygone age of sail and epitomises beauty, grace, elegance and speed.

The 55-metre (180ft) ship was last refitted in 2009, with traditional and contemporary interior styling by the late Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who was responsible for the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and Bureau Veritas.

Wood lined rooms, glass skylights and port holes and a wood and brass onboard library certainly add to the ambience on board: think the golden age of yachting.

Shenandoah can accommodate an intimate gathering of up to 10 people, with a luxurious master cabin, along with three double cabins and two additional pullmans.

Endeavour – £15.97 million

Credit: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

A rare chance to own a piece of America’s Cup history, and a yacht often attributed for the resurgence of the J-Class.

When she challenged for the Auld Mug in 1934, Endeavour was one of the most advanced ships of the day.

Built by Camper and Nicholson, the yacht’s owner, Thomas Sopwith utilised his aviation design expertise on her rig and winches, as well as giving her a steel hull and mast.

Although the America’s Cup challenge was unsuccessful, the 39.56-metre (130 ft) Endeavour still made her mark in the racing circuit and won the hearts of many.

Sadly, a series of owners mistreated her and she was left a complete wreck, abandoned in the Solent until she was bought by Elizabeth Meyer in 1984.

Endeavour was completed rebuilt by the Royal Huisman Shipyard in 1989 before undergoing an extensive refit in 2010/11 by Yachting Developments, New Zealand, which included a new deck structure and deck layout and a new rig and sails.

This stunning  yacht can sleep up to eight guests in a master suite, two doubles with en suite facilities and a twin cabin with bunk beds.

Marie – £25.61 million

Credit: Rick Tomlinson

With her distinct red and black hull, Marie certainly stands out from the crowd.

Reminiscent of a pirate ship (she even has miniature canons on board), there is nothing brusque about her stunning open-plan golden interior.

Large skylights provide plenty of natural light and the high gloss anigre finish gives a warm feel throughout.

This 55-metre (180ft) ketch even has a Steinway baby grand piano – for anyone wanting to relive the luxurious and decadent Great Gatsby lifestyle.

Marie has many elegant design features like the private aft owner’s cockpit and the Art Deco inspired skylight above the oval dining table.

Credit: Dana Jinkins

Marie was penned by Dutchman Andre Hoek, who designed the winner of the 2017 America’s Cup Superyacht Yacht Regatta in Bermuda, Lionheart.

This superyacht thoroughbred can sleep up to 10 guests in four luxurious cabins fit for a king.

Continued below…

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Athena – £41 million

The fourth largest sailing yacht in the world, the graceful and majestic Athena is a timeless classic.

This three masted 90-metre schooner has played host to the likes of Hollywood actors Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts, Griffin Dunne and Fisher Stevens.

Designed by Pieter Beeldsnijder with Dykstra Naval Architects and built by the Royal Huisman Shipyard, she is based on the Italian fashion designer family Gucci’s 1927 wooden schooner, Creole.

Credit: David Churchill

The 90-metre (295.3ft) Athena is a true blend of traditional yachting style, along with modern sailing technology.

Designed by Rebecca Bradley Interior Design, her rich interior features wood and a palette of blues and creams.

Five sumptuous cabins, including a stunning full beam master suite, can sleep 10 in utter luxury.

Sybaris – £80.29 million

Credit: Perini Navi

Sleek and sculptured, Sybaris is the sixth largest private yacht in the world, and everything about her is elegant and impressive.

Launched last year, she was designed by the creators of the iconic Maltese Falcon, Perini Navi, along with the expertise of the award winning designed Philippe Briand.

Her size and scale amaze: Sybaris is powered by 3,000sq m of sail. She also has two Rondal custom produced carbon masts, a retractable keel, and a new captive winch system.

Down below, it is easy to see why she won last year’s Monaco Yacht Show‘s best interior award.

The Miami-based PH Design has created a spacious and luxurious open plan living space, with a focused use of titanium throughout the yacht.

The lustrous alloy was used for handholds, rails and other fittings. Specialist craftsmen from the F1 world were brought in to help with the construction.

Bespoke furniture and bleached oak joinery gives it a contemporary style, and 12 guests can be comfortably accommodated the six guest cabins. The full-beam owner’s suite includes two bathrooms a dressing area, walk-in wardrobe, an office and lounge.

Outside, a broad, well-protected deck affords private dining and lounging, with a unique 60-foot flybridge offering incredible views under sail.

The 70-meter (230ft) Sybaris is currently for sale, lying in the Monaco area.

Eos – £116.45 million

Credit: Franco Pace

A former holder of the largest private sailing yacht in the world title, the custom sail yacht Eos was build by the world famous Lürssen shipyard.

The 92.9 metre (304.89ft) Bermuda rigged schooner belongs to billionaire media mogul Barry Diller and his fashion designer wife, Diane von Fürstenberg.

She was delivered in 2006 and underwent a refit in 2013 following a fire on board.

Eos’ interior has been designed by François Catroux, named by Vanity Fair as the “Über-Rich’s Favorite Interior Designer”.

Known for his symmetrical design, Catroux previously penned the interior design for another Lürssen superyacht – the 316-foot Limitless.

Eos has a clean and contemporary interior, with a use of neutral tones and wood.

She can take up to 16 guests and 21 crew and features a displacement aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Eos has plenty of toys and tenders to keep guests entertained at sea.

Maltese Falcon  – £116.45-£232 million

Credit: Burgess

Chartered by the likes of Tom Hanks and Hugh Jackman, the iconic Maltese Falcon has to be one of the most photographed and best known yachts of all time.

The 88-metre (288.7ft) Perini Navi yacht is famed for its revolutionary sailing system – the Falcon Rig – which delivers exceptional performance and speed.

The square rigged DynaRig sail plan is automated. Three self-standing and rotating masts accommodate 15 sails for a total sail area of 2,400sq m. These are controlled by a touch of a button on the ship’s bridge.

Although purists might argue the Maltese Falcon is not a true sailing superyacht, most agree that she is stunning to behold.

The VIP outside bedroom

Original built for the American capitalist Tom Perkins (he would only ever say that she cost more than $150 million, but less than $300 million), the Maltese Falcon was later sold for $100 million to one of the richest women in the world, billionaire hedge fund founder Elena Ambrosiadou.

Today, she is available for charter, taking up to 12 guests for the most luxurious holiday of their lives: think Jacuzzis, an al fresco cinema, spa, gym, spacious saloon and a crew of 17 to deliver your every want and need.

Sailing Yacht A – £360 million

Credit: Getty Images

Sailing Yacht A is the world’s most expensive privately owned sailing superyacht.

Again, while many argue that she is not a true sailing yacht, her size certainly makes her impressive.

The leviathan is a staggering 143-metres (469 ft) long, and has three distinctive mast which are some of the tallest and most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world.

Each mast can sustain 90 knots of wind.

The three sails were created in 2016 at Doyle Sailmakers in Salem, Massachusetts, and the tallest mast – 91 metres – even has a small room inside.

Built for the Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, the sail-assisted superyacht has been designed by Frenchman Philippe Starck, who was behind Melnichenko’s previous superyacht, Motor Yacht A, and Steve Jobs’ superyacht, Venus.

This advanced superyacht has a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation systems.

One of the balconies on board. Credit: GTRES/PA Images

The interior is kept a closely guarded secret, although it is believed that Sailing Yacht A has eight floors.

Much has been made of its unique 93-square-foot curved glass observation pod in the vessel’s hull.

Sailing Yacht A was built at Nobiskrug’s shipyard at Kiel, Germany, and features teak, and a steel hull and steel superstructure with high-tech composite fashion plates that can be formed into any shape or size.

Inside, Sailing Yacht can luxuriously accommodate up to 20 guests and a crew of 54.

The post 10 of the most expensive sailing yachts in the world appeared first on YBW.

Wind (1992)

The story of one sailor’s dream to reclaim the greatest sailing trophy of them all – the America’s Cup.

After Will Parker, played by Matthew Modine, fails to lead his American crew to victory against challengers, Australia, he convinces his millionaire backer, Morgan Weld (Cliff Robertson) to finance an experimental yacht.

The boat has been designed by Joe Heisler (Stellan Skarsgard), the new partner of Will’s ex-girlfriend Kate, played by Jennifer Grey.

The film has some fantastic cinematography.

Wonder if Sir Ben Ainslie and the rest of the Land Rover BAR crew have watched it?

White Squall (1996)

A story of survival on board a ship during an ill-fated school sailing trip.

Based on the 1961 sinking of the schooner, Albatross in the Gulf of Mexico, the Ridley Scott-directed film follows Captain Christopher Sheldon, played by Jeff Bridges, at the helm, and his crew of pre school boys.

Captain Sheldon aims to teach the boys fortitude and discipline to his youthful crew of Chuck Gieg (Scott Wolf), Frank Beaumont (Jeremy Sisto),  Gil Martin (Ryan Phillippe) and Dean Preston (Eric Michael Cole).

When caught in a “white squall”, the boys use what they’ve been taught to survive.

The Hunt for the Red October (1990)

This espionage thriller film is based on the best-selling Tom Clancy novel set during the late Cold War era.

Rogue Soviet naval captain, Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) wishes to defect to the United States with his officers and the Soviet Navy’s most advanced nuclear missile submarine – Red October.

Alec Baldwin plays CIA agent, Jack Ryan, who must determine if Ramius’ defection is genuine before the Soviet and America navies go to war.

If you’re looking for all-out action, you’ll need to wait until the last 40-minutes of the film.

The Old Man and the Sea (1999)

Based on the short novel by Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea is a 1999 paint-on-glass-animated short film.

Directed by a Russian animator Aleksandr Petrov, the film pretty much follows the story of the Hemingway classic, as fisherman Santiago struggles to catch and land a giant marlin.

The film won many awards, including the Academy Award for Animated Short Film.

Captain Ron (1992)

A light-hearted comedy about the Harvey family who inherit a yacht once owned by Clark Gable.

Martin Harvey (Martin Short) takes his family to the Caribbean with the purpose of retrieving the Wanderer and selling it.

However, on arrival, he finds the yacht is in a poor state and the family are forced to hire the roguish Captain Ron (Kurt Russell) to sail the boat to Miami.

Along the way they run into pirates and are forced to smuggle, amongst other antics.

Silly, but pretty entertaining in parts. It certainly isn’t highbrow!

1492: The Conquest of Paradise (1992)

Another Ridley Scott-directed film, 1492: Conquest of Paradise is an epic drama about Christopher Columbus (Gérard Depardieu) and his discovery of the New World.

This fictionalised account of Columbus’ voyage is visually stunning, and was shot on location in Costa Rica.

The film also covers the ten years after the discovery of the Americas, and examines the impact European settlers had on the indigenous population, and Columbus’ role .

Replicas of the flagship Santa Maria, the Nina and the Pinto were built for the film, giving the (brief) sailing scenes a sense of authenticity.

Waterworld (1995)

Like Marmite, people either love or hate this Kevin Costner-directed post-apocalyptic science fiction film.

The film is set in a world that is mostly underwater, following the melting of the polar ice caps.

The few humans who have survived live on artificial islands or boats. Some, like the Mariner (Costner), have even developed gills to live in the ocean.

The Mariner sails the earth on his trimaran and reluctantly befriends Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn), who is guardian to Enola (Tina Majorino).

The three are forced to escape the clutches of the Smokers, led by Deacon (Dennis Hopper), who believe that Enola holds the key to finding the mythical Dryland.

Under Siege (1992)

An all out action-thriller set on board a Navy battleship, the USS Missouri, Under Siege is perfect for a bit of escapism.

Ship’s cook Casey Ryback (Steven Seagal), a decorated former Navy SEAL, takes on a group of terrorists led by William Strannix (Tommy Lee Jones).

They infiltrate the USS Misssouri by posing as a rock band, brought in to mark the birthday celebrations of a Captain Adams.

Once on board, the terrorists try to steal the ship’s nuclear arsenal.

Expect to see plenty of things being blown up – bit like Die Hard on the water, but not quite!

Shipwrecked (1990)

An endearing tale of Haakon Haakonsen (Stian Smedstad), who takes a job as a cabin boy aboard a ship in order to support his family.

There, he befriends shipmate Jens (Trond Peter Stamso Munch), who teaches Haakon how to be a sailor.

Midway through the voyage, a stowaway, Mary (Louisa Haigh) is found on board and the two children form a friendship.

When the ship’s captain dies, there is a mutiny on board.

The vessel is subsequently shipwrecked during a violent storm, leaving Haakon and Mary stranded on a desert island.

There are also pirates and the search for buried treasure in this Walt Disney Pictures-produced movie.

Titanic (1997)

No list would be complete without including James Cameron’s epic, Titanic.

While we all know what happens at the end (SPOILER! But the RMS Titanic sinks after hitting an iceberg), the film still has an engaging plot about love across the classes, through the two characters of Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet).

And the portray of the actual sinking of the White Star liner is a great cinematic moment and certainly conveys a sense of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people.

The post 10 Best boat-themed films of the 1990s appeared first on YBW.

Port Adriano Mallorca, Spain

Located in Calvia, only 9 kilometres southwest of the Balearic Islands’ capital Palma de Mallorca, this modern, Philip Starck designed marina is an ideal base to explore Mallorca’s stunning coast. Port Adriano has a total of 488 moorings between 6 and 80 metres and capacity for up to 100 metres, making it a popular marina for superyachts.

The marina offers plenty of activities, from water sports, to a big selection of bars and restaurants that cater for all tastes and dietary requirements, from a light quick snack to fine dining.
There are also plenty of shops include El Corte Ingles and Blush, plus art galleries and boutiques, private banking facilities and nautical shops. Those who prefer to spend a few nights on terra firma are in luck as the nearby Pure Salt Port Adriano five star hotel is kitted out with a state-of-the-art spa, infinity pool and a delightful terrace. The marina also organises events, including performances by notable musicians such as George Benson and Tom Jones.

There are also dedicated facilities for crew, such as a gym, crew bar and events, diving centre, kids’ area and water sports.

Perfect for: the young, trendy and well-heeled. Families will love this marina too as it offers plenty of activities for little ones.

Facilities: 488 moorings between 6 and 80m and capacity for up to 100 metres, WiFi, a shipyard offering all the general nautical services including painting, travel lift, antifouling, motor and electrical repairs, among other services, fuel, parking, electricity, security and more.

Amenities: water sports, a huge selection of bars and restaurants to choose from, from fine dining to ice-cream parlours. A vast array of shops including boutiques selling luxury brands such as Versace, and Emilio Pucci, an El Corte Ingles department store, nautical outlets and more. The Mar Balear dive centre offers lots of activities, including water sports and diving excursions. For more information visit Port Adriano.

Marina di Portofino, Italy

Italy has some of the most exclusive marinas in the world that attract an affluent Italian and international crowd. Portofino on the Italian Riviera has one of the loveliest and most high end marinas in the Mediterranean country.
The former fishing village is famous for its beautiful landscape, picturesque multicoloured houses and its tiny but quaint harbour. It’s a real billionaires’ destination, much loved by celebrities, footballers, politicians and aristocracy, often spotted sunning themselves on superyachts.

The marina is as beautiful as it is small, with only 14 berths for yachts and superyachts, plus two more in Cannone Bay to accommodate mega-yachts. Designer boutiques and restaurants are dotted around the main square and those who wish to stay in a hotel are in luck: Portofino boasts one of the most beautiful and iconic in the world, the Belmond Hotel Splendido. The Splendido truly is what la dolce vita epitomises – no wonder it’s been popular with Hollywood stars since it opened in 1902, with Marlon Brando, Eva Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton being some of its notable guests.

Perfect for: the seriously rich with a love for sophistication, art, food and natural beauty. Portofino exudes elegant and timeless glamour. Those looking for loud bars and clubs playing dance music won’t find it here.

Facilities: fuel, fixed beam turning crane, WiFi, used oil and waste collection, video surveillance, laundry, wine and food supply delivered directly to yachts, ISPS code, toilets and showers, naval equipment.

Amenities: Portofino offers a great selection of chic boutiques, art galleries, churches, a castle (Castello Brown), stylish bars and cafés and beautiful restaurants serving delicious Ligurian dishes such as pesto ligure, panzerotti con salsa di noci and paciugo ice-cream. It’s also close to the lovely town of Santa Margherita Ligure, and the tiny but stunning villages of San Fruttuoso (where one can see the Christ of the Abyss buried under the sea) and Camogli. For more information visit Marina di Portofino.

Portavadie, Scotland

Credit: Ronnie Cairns

Set in the stunning Scottish highlands on Loch Fyne, Argyll, Portavadie has sheltered deep-water berthing and is considered the gateway to some of the best sailing waters in the west coast of Scotland.

The Five Gold Anchor award-winning marina offers 230 fully serviced berths for vessels up to 70-foot. There are no restrictions on draft and berths can be accessed whatever the state of the tide.

There is also a loch-side state-of-the-art spa resort on the doorstep, offering dog-friendly cottages, couple retreats and luxury studio apartments. There is even an eco-resort on the loch’s shore for nature lovers. The spa has swimming pools, including a child-friendly splash pool, saunas and the largest outdoor heated infinity pool in Scotland.

The breathtaking scenery must be explored, and there are many options, from horse riding and walking to scuba diving and golf at the Kyles of Bute Golf Course.

Perfect for: nature lovers, couples looking for escape, families, lovers of regional food.

Facilities: sheltered, fully-serviced berthing with Seaflex anchoring, water, 240v power, lighting, WiFi, 24-hour access to toilets and showers including family bathrooms with a large bath wet room, his and hers vanity with fresh towels and TV, laundry, rubbish and glass disposal, fuel berth offering diesel and petrol, slipway for launching smaller vessels, electricity take-off in the marina boatyard,  and a full range of marine services including electrical installations and engine repair.

Amenities: water sports including kayaking, sea tours, scuba diving with Loch Fyne Dive Charters and dinghy courses offered through the Tighnabruaich Sailing School. There is also fishing and golf. Portavadie has a fully equipped gym, spa offering a range of treatments and access to a hydro pool, sauna and steam room, and two restaurants and bars, all serving dishes made from local seasonal produce.
The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar in nearby Cairndow specialises in serving seafood produced on the loch and in the in-house smokery.

Marina Miraggio, Greece

Located on the Aegean Sea on the southwest side of the Kassandra peninsula, near Halkidiki, Marina Miraggio opened last year and it’s already been awarded the European Union’s ‘Blue Flag’ and the Golden Greek Hospitality Award 2017. Considered one of the most technologically advanced marinas, it was developed with the help of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to devise ways of reducing any impact on the sea, nature and marine life.
The marina has 81 berths and can accommodate yachts up to 40m and boasts one of the longest quays of this type in Greece – 110m long in fact.

Perfect for: yachters and boaters who want to get away from it all and enjoy a relaxing break in a state-of-the-art marina surrounded by natural beauty. Those seeking a wellness holiday combined with their boating adventure, people with children who like the right balance of family fun and adult time.

Facilities and services: Power Supply and Water Service Pedestals with payment through RFID card, pump out stations, fuel station, WiFi, launching ramp, round the clock security service, 24/7 office manning and berthing, vessel maintenance.

Amenities: Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort with its beautiful Myrthia thermal spa offering a variety of treatments, plus shops and boutiques, nine restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisine, leisure facilities, Miraggio Kid’s Planet & Childcare services operating a wide range of additional services on demand. The hotel boasts 300 beautiful rooms and suites, many with private pool. It offers many amenities and activities, including a football pitch, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, table tennis, car, bike and motorbike rental, gym, hammam, sauna, outdoor and indoor pools, children’s pool, and many more. For more information and prices visit Miraggio Thermal SPA Resort and Marina Miraggio.

St Katharine Docks, London

Located in the heart of central London, luxury has always been part of St Katharine Docks. The port on the river Thames once handled precious cargo like spices, rum, sugar and wine. Now it caters to those looking for a luxurious break in the capital.

Camper and Nicholsons Marinas manage the elegant marina – the only one in central London. It has sympathetically refurbished and restored the docks’ three historic basins and since January 2017 it offers 170 berths for yachts up to 40-metres.

The marina has a bustling vibe, with waterside shops and gourmet restaurants offering everything from brunch to dinner on the quayside. It is also the location for events like the London on Water show where luxury yacht builders like Princess Yachts, Sunseeker and Oyster Yachts are regular exhibitors. In the summer, there are regular live music events and a weekly World Food Market serving the best street food in London.

It is also the perfect location to explore the city’s rich history, with the Tower of London a stone’s throw away. The historic covered Leadenhall Market, with its iconic Victorian roof, is less than a mile away.

A ride in one of London’s famous black cabs will take you to some of the best shopping areas in the world like Bond Street and Mayfair which house the likes of Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co, Savile Row for bespoke British menswear and Knightsbridge for Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

Perfect for: city lovers, foodies and boutique shopaholics.

Facilities and services: electricity is provided to each berth, drinking water, security, rubbish disposal, washrooms, marina trollies, laundry, waste water pump outs, WiFi.

Amenities: being central London, every conceivable want or desire can be catered for. At St Katharine Docks, high end dining is offered at the Dokke, run by Neil Wager, who serves food inspired by many years working as a chef on private island resorts. The White Mulberries – named as London’s best coffee shop – offers a range of tempting homemade treats and coffee.

Just over Tower Bridge, there is the Michelin Star Restaurant Story which was recently named one of the top 40 restaurants in the UK by the Good Food Guide. The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden – with flowerbeds and planting on the 35th floor. It has several private dining areas offering stunning views of the capital while diners indulge from the à la carte menu.

For those wanting a few nights on dry land, the 5-star Grange Tower Bridge Hotel is at nearby Tower Bridge. It also houses the luxury Ajala Spa, which has an exclusive selection of spa day packages, as well as a 25-metre pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and foot spa.
For more information visit St Katharine Docks.

Continues below…

Italian marinas: Venezia Certosa Marina, Marina D’Arechi and Marina Di Portisco

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Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort marina opens in Greece

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Luxury marina begins construction in Ayia Napa, Cyprus

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Lisbon: The perfect city break for sun, sightseeing and sailing

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ACI Marina Dubrovnik, Croatia

The ACI Marina in Dubrovnik is situated at the foothills of Srđ hill – a beautiful area that dates back to the 7th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Only 6 km from the centre of enchanting Dubrovnik, this marina has been awarded the Blue Flag for its perfectly clean sea, and voted best marina in the Adriatic (in the 250-450 berth category) in the ‘Flower of Tourism – Quality for Croatia’ competition for three consecutive years (2010-2012). It has 380 berths and 140 dry berths, and can accommodate yachts up to 60m. Its location makes it ideal to explore Dalmatia and nearby Italy.

Perfect for: those who enjoy understated luxury and love to explore nature, cities and historical sites. Ideal for adults and young families alike.

Facilities: WiFi, repair and maintenance services, travel lifts with 60 and 130 t capacity, fuel station, toilet and shower facilities with separate disabled provision, launderette, charter agencies, supermarket and marine equipment store, ATM, fuel station.

Amenities: tennis and bocce court, futsal pitch with artificial grass, children’s pirate ship themed playground, swimming pool, hairdresser, massage, outdoor fitness classes, large selection of shops and boutiques, restaurant, bar, beer hall and internet café. The Dalmatia area is a gorgeous location to explore and the city of Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful in Croatia, if not Europe.
For more information visit ACI Marina Dubrovnik. 

Dart Marina Yacht Harbour, Dartmouth

Credit: Terry Reeve

One of the West Country’s most exclusive marinas, Dart Marina on the River Dart lies within Dartmouth’s deep-water estuary.

This 110 berth marina also has the excellent advantage of being accessible in all tides. It can accommodate boats up to 20m, and is a stunning base for those wanting to explore the river.

The luxurious Dart Marina Hotel and Spa is onsite offering stylish rooms with crisp white linen and river views, and beautifully designed self-catering apartments with oak floors and stylish soft furnishings. There is also a spa offering holistic treatments, a pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and fitness facilities, as well as riverside dining options.

Nearby Dartmouth is steeped in maritime history. Two castles perch close to the river entrance, and the Britannia Royal Naval College overlooks the river, along with luxurious homes. The picturesque town centre, with its charming boutiques, is just a short stroll from the yacht harbour.

In the past, Dartmouth has been something of a mecca for celebrity chefs, with the likes of Keith Floyd, John Burton Race, Mitch Tonks and Joyce Molyneux all setting up in this South Devon town.
It currently boasts three Michelin Guide restaurants – Tonks’ Rockfish, which is thought to be the best fish and chips in Devon, Tonks’ other Dartmouth restaurant, Seahorse, which specialises in seafood, and the Laughing Monk, which is just outside the town in the village of Strete.

Perfect for: families, couples on romantic breaks, maritime history lovers and dedicated foodies.

Facilities and services: 110 berths for boats up to 20 metres, annual berthing (discounts at the Dart Marina Hotel and car parking), with berths available for visiting boats, individual bathrooms for berth holders, electricity, water, fully equipped laundry, full range of professional yacht services nearby including chandlers, marine and electronic engineers, riggers, sailmakers and lift-out facilities at nearby yards. Fuel is via the River Dart fuel barge.

Amenities: A plethora of high end restaurants in the town, as well as bistros, trendy bars and hotel restaurants serving everything from fish and chips to à la carte dining. A number of independently run boutiques, selling bespoke gifts and clothing, and a range of art galleries. Nearby Dartmouth Golf Club offers one of the best courses in the UK. There are also plenty of walks, gardens, stately homes and castles like Agatha Christie’s holiday home at Galmpton, and museums to explore.

Porto Montenegro

This former Austro-Hungarian naval base located on the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, Porto Montenegro is a state-of-the-art marina ideal for superyacht owners. It boasts 450 berths accommodating boats ranging from 12 to 250m, offering a wide range of facilities. Its stunning yacht club has a pool, tennis court, bars and restaurants and for those who’d like to stay in a hotel, the luxury Venetian-style  Regent Porto Montenegro, located on the Adriatic and overlooking Boka Bay, has a choice of stylish rooms, suites and Regent Pool Club Residences.

Perfect for: yacht and superyacht owners who enjoy the yacht club life after a day out at sea, exploring the beautiful natural scenery.

Facilities: short and long term berthing options (from one day up to 30 years), fuel dock with tax and duty free fuel (including jet ski pontoon), berth rental pool with 85% income share for lease owners, onsite customs and immigration, 24 hour yacht service, onsite brokers for charter and yacht sales, 24-hour manned and CCTV security, on site refuse, grey and black water disposal, electricity, fibre optic WiFi, RYA and STCW-95 courses, crew club, yacht club and electricity.

Amenities: state-of-the-art yacht club designed by Tino Zervudachi of MHZ Design in Paris, with fitness centre, tennis courts, waterfront Members Lounge with meeting room and private dining space overlooking a 64 metre infinity-edge swimming pool and an outdoor restaurant, mezzanine bar, rooftop restaurant and a nightclub. There is also an Owners’ Club, Kids’ Club, opportunity to stay in the hotel, buy or rent a luxury seafront apartment, pools, wellness centre, a village with over 50 shops ranging from designer boutiques to beauty parlours, restaurants offering local and international cuisine, bars and museums. For more information visit Porto Montenegro.

Port Hercule, Monaco

One of the very few deep water ports on the French Riviera, the stunning Port Hercule in Monaco has 700 berths, a swimming pool, restaurants and bars that line the dock, plus marine businesses and chandleries nearby. It’s the perfect location to attend the Monaco Boat Show in late September and feast one’s eyes on the beautiful superyachts on show.

Perfect for: those who have it and like to flaunt it. Superyacht owners and lovers, the super rich, people who love being surrounded by luxury and glamour.

Facilities: fresh water, electricity on the quayside and pontoons, showers, public telephone on site and onboard upon request, self service launderette, TV on the quayside, containers for used oil and batteries, BP station fuel on the landing stage and refuse collection.

Amenities: Monaco offers a wide selection of designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants, exclusive yacht clubs, trendy bars and nightclubs. There are plenty of water sport activities and the port’s prime location is ideal for those who want to explore the French and Italian Rivieras with their stunning beauty, historical sites, churches and museums.
For more information visit Port Hercule.

Marina di Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy

Located on the idyllic Costa Smeralda with its beautiful crystalline waters, Marina di Porto Cervo is where jetsetters like to holiday.
This sheltered marina is split into two: East Dock, also known as the Old Port, which is part of the village of Porto Cervo, and the New Marina which boasts modern pontoons and the marina village.

Marina di Porto Cervo has 700 berths, 100 of which are reserved for boats in transit and the Cantieri Porto Cervo boatyard which is open all year round. This exclusive marina is adjacent to some of the best restaurants on the island, elegant hotels, fashionable bars and nightclubs and the Pevero Golf Club. It’s also surrounded by some of the best shops and boutiques in the world, including Harrods.

Perfect for: the mega rich. This is truly a playground for billionaires, celebrities, footballers, aristocracy and industrialists. Nature enthusiasts will love its stunning landscape, with lush greenery, rocky mountains, beautiful white sandy beaches and crystalline sea. Also ideal for golfers, thanks to the adjacent Pevero Golf Club.

Facilities: WiFi, used oil and waste collection, fuel, laundry service, chandlery, showers and toilets, repairs and maintenance, on site supermarket and even ice delivery!

Amenities: with its exclusive designer boutiques, yacht clubs, fine dining restaurants, stylish bars and nightclubs and beautiful golf club, Porto Cervo Marina has to be one of the best equipped and most glamorous in the world. The area offers a variety of water and land sport activities, yacht chartering and sailing trips.
For more information visit Marina di Porto Cervo.

Article by Stef Bottinelli and Katy Stickland

The post 10 Most beautiful luxury marinas in the UK and Europe to holiday in style appeared first on YBW.

For the fashion-loving father – Loewe sail boat wool top

Credit: Harrods

Style at sea – Fay Page silver and gold handcrafted rowing boat cufflinks

These distinctive one-of-a-kind rowing boat cufflinks are inspired by the traditional craft which bob outside of designer Fay Page’s workshop overlooking the sea on the Isle of Scilly.

The cufflinks are handcrafted from silver before a 22ct gold inlay is added to the tiny boats.

The cufflink can be inscribed with your father’s initials, that special date to mark a significant occasion, or left blank if preferred.

Dressy enough to wear in the office or while socialising at prestigious events, these bespoke cufflinks will certainly be noticed.

The handcrafted rowing boat cufflinks cost £150 in solid silver or £180 for the silver with 22ct gold inlay.

The perfect gift for the next Sir Francis Chichester – Cape Horn notebook

A beautiful gift for fathers who like to keep a journal, or perhaps are thinking of starting a novel on life at sea. Designed in the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn notebooks are handmade and have a simple yet chic finish.

The unique fragments on their covers come from sails that have travelled thousands of miles through the Southern Ocean, and were made of the most innovative materials: Carbon Fibre, Kevlar, Dacron, Nylon and Maylar.

Each thread bound book opens flat and contains a gusset pocket, a page marker made of sailing rope and an elastic enclosure band. A practical but elegant present for the next Sir Francis Chichester.

The ultimate in luxury and sailing heritage – Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II in white gold and platinum

 

Continued below…

America’s Cup: the world’s most luxurious charter yachts to watch the race in style

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For the music and tech loving father – Beoplay H9 wireless noise cancelling headphones

 

Polished aluminium, soft lambskin and genuine cowhide leather means the Beoplay H9 from B&O promises absolute comfort and style.
The headband is built up around a solid and lightweight aluminium frame covered with stitched cowhide leather. Underneath, the soft lambskin coated ear cushion adapts to the shape and curve of the ear for supreme comfort and breathability and features noise cancelling technology.
On the side of the right ear cup is an intuitive touch interface in anodised aluminium that captures the latest acoustic innovations from B&O PLAY.
This interface activates the noise cancelling function, can change songs, answer calls and control the volume with just a single touch or swipe.
Made for travellers in all weather conditions, the interface works under humid conditions and with gloves on.
Beoplay H9 is compatible with Beoplay App for Android, iPhone and Apple Watch for a personalised listening experience.
Beoplay H9 is priced at £449.

A gift of a lifetime for the ultimate rum connoisseur – Black Tot Last Consignment British Royal Naval Rum

The post Father’s Day gift guide: Exclusive and bespoke presents for sailors appeared first on YBW.

America’s Cup skipper, Sir Ben Ainslie famously names all of his boats Rita, while Greek-Argentine shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassisa named his luxury motor yacht, Christina O, after his daughter.

American president, John F. Kennedy owned a series of Star class boats called Flash and Flash II.

Meanwhile, Beatle Paul McCartney named his 52-foot converted fishing boat Barnaby Rudge after a Charles Dickens’ character.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston called his Open 60, which he entered in the Route du Rhum in 2014, Grey Power.

“I think the naming of a boat is very personal. In the old days you’d use use something that you hoped would bring you luck, like Provident, a name like that or some use their daughter’s name or their wife’s name,” he said.

Sir Ben Ainslie and his wife, Georgie on board the Hoek Truly Classic 65 yacht, Rita, which they honeymooned on

“I always think it is a very personal thing a name. Everyone got Grey Power. It was me basically saying to people that just because I’ve passed retirement age it doesn’t mean that my brain has turned to porridge or I am going to have a heart attack every time I climb the stairs, so I thought calling the boat Grey Power sent a little message,” explained Sir Robin

Oasis was the eighth most popular name

If none of these names ‘float your boat’, then The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) might be able to help.

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In a tradition dating back a quarter of a century, it has now revealed the list of the top ten boat names.

The BoatUS 2017 Top 10 Boat Names and their meanings:

1. Serenity: The utter calm and quietude boating brings
2. Seas the Day: A nautical wordplay on the Latin saying “Carpe diem,” taking boating to its fullest
3. Andiamo: “Let’s go!” in Italian and a perennial favorite boat name
4. Irish Wake: Mourning and merrymaking after the death of a family member or friend
5. Freedom: Patriotic name that first appeared on the Top 10 Names List in 2004
6. Adagio: Italian for “at a slow tempo.” Represents how boating reduces stress in our hectic lives
7. Ohana: From the Hawaiian culture, meaning “family” in an extended sense
8. Oasis: A fertile spot in a desert where water is found; symbolises boating’s ability to refresh and nourish our daily lives
9. Happy Ours: A playful take on the good feeling you get at the afternoon communal cocktail time
10. Firefly: Making the list for the first time, it’s thought that the kids picked this one

This year sees the return of Serenity to the top spot.

It is one of the most popular names in the USA, coming first eight times between 1993 and 2016.

The post Top 10 boat names for 2017 released appeared first on YBW.

There are many things to consider when buying a watch, starting with quality, needs and aesthetics. Whether it’s Rolex, Cartier or Raymond Weil, a beautifully made timepiece should last forever and be passed on generation to generation, to become a veritable heirloom.
These watches have been created with sailors and water sport lovers in mind, and will complement your settings: from a day out on the water, to a glitzy night on a superyacht.

The ultimate seafarer’s watch – Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 

The ‘Archetype of the diver’s watch’ in the brand’s words, this Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date is a redesigned version of their iconic 1953 one. Made in gold and steel with a deep blue face and handmade dial, this Rolex watch will turn heads at the yacht club – it certainly worked for actor Steve McQueen, one of the watchmaker’s many famous fans. Rolex is not only synonymous with timeless luxury but also with sailing and diving. Aqua-lung co-inventor Jacques Cousteau tested the Submariner watch in the 50s for Rolex and the watch has since become the most successful diver’s timepiece. The brand also sponsors some of the most beautiful races and regattas in the world, including the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Fastnet Race. Be ready to be envied with this on your wrist.  £9,900 from Rolex.

Be hip at sea! – Raymond Weil Ladies’ Nabucco BRIT Awards 2014 Limited Edition Titanium Automatic Chronograph Diamond Watch

Luxury Swiss watch brand Raymond Weil has created this colourful chronograph with younger women in mind. The 43mm titanium case houses a dark grey dial featuring 11 diamond indexes, chronograph functions and a distinctive black watermark within the left sub dial. The timepiece has an ETA 7753 mechanical chronograph automatic self-winding mechanism. The red trim to the sub dials is complemented by a vibrant red seconds hand and matching rubber strap, which adds a touch of modernity and vibrancy. Raymond Weil has always been inspired by music, classical and modern and its watches are popular with musicians. Usher and Labrinth are just some of the names who have sported the timepieces. But sailing has always been part of the brand too. In fact Raymond Weil were the official partner of RealTeam Sailing for the 2016 D35 Trophy on Lake Geneva and the GC32 Racing Tour internationally. Priced at £3,995 and available from the Watch Shop.

Act like a President – Calibre de Cartier Chronograph 

A Cartier watch with a classic design, this chronograph has been created with sport in mind and it’s water resistant to 10 bar, or 100 metres. The alligator strap and Roman number dial give a touch of vintage chic – perfect for sailing and to show off après sail, at a fabulous yacht party, just like JFK did. The late American President loved a Cartier and famously wore it on his sailing boat. £8,200 and available from Cartier.

 Strictly limited edition –  Christopher Ward C60 Trident 316L 

British luxury watch brand Christopher Ward has just launched the C60 Trident 316L Limited Edition, the newest member of their Trident family. The new model has been crafted using marine grade 316L steel, which is hard and robust with an ultra-high manganese content optimised for anti-corrosive properties, plus it has an anti-shock feature and 3.4mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal – perfect to wear on water. The C60 Trident 316L Limited Edition features a colourful orange dial and has three strap options: a rubber, a leather and a steel one. There are only 316 pieces available, making this a collector’s item. Christopher Ward is also a luxury brand with a heart: the watchmaker funds and supports the CW Challenger Programme, helping talented athletes such as rower and Olympic bronze winner Will Satch achieve their dream. The watch is priced at £750 and available exclusively from Christopher Ward.

Look like a professional sportsman – Seiko Astron Men’S GPS Titanium Chronograph Radio Controlled Solar Powered Watch 

Fabulously masculine (but perfectly wearable for all) the updated Seiko Astron 8X boasts the same feature set as its predecessor, the Seiko Solar GPS Radio Controlled 7X series, adding a chronograph yet losing a lot of the thickness and size of the previous movement. It retains the GPS time zone identification ability around the world, 39 time zone world time, daylight savings function, perpetual calendar and power save functionality.
The lightweight Titanium and PVD gold plated case and bracelet give it a strong and sporty look whilst looking chic and stylish, and the black dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, with antireflective coating for glare-free visibility. The brand has a long history of involvement with sports, including six Olympic Games, sailing competitions and football World Cups. Tennis champion and yacht lover Novak Djokovic, who used to own a Sunseeker Manhattan 60, is currently a brand ambassador. It’s priced at £2,200 and available here.

This is the ultimate in yacht class – Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36

Feminine, classic and yet perfect on water: we love this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in Everose Gold. Made with 18 CT pink gold, it features the classic Rolex President bracelet, with its semi-circular three piece links, which was created in 1956 for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. The pink dial features baguette and emerald cut diamonds for each hour and the Day-Date spells out the day of the week in full. Waterproof to 100 metres and with scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date, this delicate looking watch proves to be very sturdy indeed. It’s exactly the quality of craftsmanship and the beauty of the design that has made Rolex one of the most worn watches by sport professionals and celebrities alike. From Jennifer Aniston, Ellen DeGeneres, David Beckham and Brad Pitt to America’s Cup yachtsman and Rolex former brand ambassador Paul Cayard, all these stars have been seen wearing the brand at the most exclusive events. Available from Rolex and priced at £27,150.

Choice of Olympians! – Mulhe Glashutte Men’s Terrasport I Automatic Chronograph

With a stainless steel case, cream dial and brown leather strap the Mulhe Glashutte Men’s Terrasport I Automatic Chronograph is a classic looking watch that won’t go unnoticed. It’s water resistant up to 50 metres, so water splashes won’t be a problem. Its classic look means that it will transition effortlessly from a long day sailing to a leisurely evening après sailing. The watchmakers have adorned the wrists of Olympians Annika Bochmann and Marlene Steinherr during the 2016 Olympics when Mulhe Glashutte sponsored the German National Sailing Team, making sure that the team performed well and looked stylish during the races. Available from The Watch Shop and priced at £2,490.

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For the jetsetter – IWC Schaffhausen DaVinci Automatic 36

This IWC Schaffenhaus Da Vinci watch is sheer luxury on the wrist. The 18-carat red gold case boasts 54 pure white diamonds on the bezel and and the linked bracelet straps are fastened securely around the wrist by the triple- winged butterfly clasp. It’s fitted with the tried-and-tested 35111 calibre and tested for water-resistance to 3 bar. The Swiss watchmakers have become one of the most luxurious brands to wear for the rich and famous. Photographer and film director Peter Lindbergh created a short film for the brand entitled ‘Portofino’, after the famous seaside village on the Italian riviera, a well-known jetsetter’s playground. The short starred none other than model Elle Macpherson and actor Eric Dane among other well known and well-heeled personalities. The perfect accessory to live la dolce vita to the max. Available from IWC Schaffenhaus and priced at £31,500.

Timeless charm – Baume et Mercier Linea 10012

One of the classiest chronographs on the market, this steel and round 32mm watch for women by luxury Swiss watch brand Baume et Mercier is ideal for day and night, water and land. The Linea 10012 comes with a quartz movement featuring date function, an interchangeable strap and an additional strap. It features a polished satin finish, sapphire domed glass, anti-glare and anti-scratch face and it’s water resistant up to 50 m. Heritage brand Baume et Mercier have been making beautiful timepieces for 187 years. These are objects d’art to be passed on from generation to generation and of course, to be seen in at the most exclusive yacht regattas and parties. Available from Baume et Mercier and priced at £2,600.

The must-have watch for America’s Cup fans – Bremont AC-R-II

This stunning stainless steel chronograph watch by luxury British watchmaker Bremont has been created for the 35th America’s Cup. Bremont are the first British Official Timing Partner to sponsor the race since 1851. This AC-R-II has a 42 hour power reserve, is water resistant up to 100 metres, and it features a hardened stainless steel Bremont Trip-Tick® case construction with scratch resistant DLC treated case barrel. This is a limited edition watch, only 135 timepieces have been created. This is the watch to wear if you are heading to Bermuda to watch the America’s Cup, perhaps aboard a beautiful superyacht. Priced at £5,295.

The post From Rolex to Cartier: the top 10 most beautiful watches to be seen wearing when sailing appeared first on YBW.

The Mermaid Inn, St Mary’s, Isle of Scilly

Credit: Mark Sadlier/The Mermaid Inn

Just a stone’s throw from the picturesque St Mary’s Harbour Quay on the Isles of Scilly,  The Mermaid Inn is steeped in nautical heritage.

Its traditional main bar attracts locals, visitors and salty sea dogs alike, where stories are shared over pints of local brewed real ale.

The walls are decked out with local artefacts including the name board of a wrecked fishing boat, gig paddles and pictures of gig crews, model ships and flags.

Credit: The Mermaid Inn

The Mermaid is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner  – making it ideal for those moored at the quay.

Expect traditional pub fare made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients such as prime Cornish pork chop with garden peas and a choice of potato and burgers made with hand ground prime Cornish beef mince.

There is also a daily specials board ranging from prime cuts of Cornish meats to freshly landed fish and shell fish from Scillonian fishermen.

For more information visit www.mermaidscilly.co.uk

The Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek, Cornwall

This creekside thatched inn has been serving the needs of thirsty Cornish sailors and fishermen since the 13th Century.

Its charming location makes it a popular spot with today’s sailing crowd, who come to escape the relative bustle of Falmouth.

Small boats can moor up alongside the inn’s pontoon – but remember to check the tide times as this is only available around 2-3 hours each side of the high tide.

Nothing beats a Cornish crab sandwich

The Pandora inn has an extensive food and drinks menu featuring local seasonal produce: Cornish fish and seafood is a speciality.

Diners can eat in the beamed, cosy rooms of the pub or out on the popular pontoon if the weather is fine.

There is a fantastic selection of locally brewed real ales, Cornish cider, as well as wines and spirits.

For more information visit www.pandorainn.com

The Swan, Pangbourne

The terrace of The Swan overlooking the river Thames was made for lazy summer days.

Watch the river life while sampling a glass from the pub’s extensive wine list (different wines are featured weekly)

There are plenty of dining options to choose from with The Swan offering brunch, a working lunch menu, à la carte, Sunday menu and a children’s menu.

Expect seasonal European cooking such as Suffolk chicken breast with chorizo, spinach, sautéed potatoes and saffron aioli, as well as more traditional fare like beer battered haddock and chips.

If it does cloud up, retreat indoors to the beautiful 17th century listed pub, which has a traditional setting with oak beams, and even three open fires if the temperature dips too low.

For more information visit www.swanpangbourne.co.uk

The Ramsholt Arms, Suffolk

Credit: The New Ramsholt Arms.

This Michelin Guide recommended riverside pub on the River Deben in Suffolk lures people in from miles around.

The only south facing pub on the river, it becomes busy with those wanting to make the most of the sun-soaked terrace, neighbouring beach and crab fishing jetty.

There are plenty of deep-water moorings here too  – making it an ideal stop over for the night – just make sure that you check with the harbour master.

The American barbecue during weekends in the summer is popular. Credit: The New Ramsholt Arms

In the summer, a real American barbecue is held every weekend with locally sourced prime cuts of meat. Diners can also enjoy locally caught fresh seafood, sharing platters, and pub classics like the Ramsholt open fish pie.

The Ramsholt Arms has even had the seal of approval from the YBW forum, with one member writing: ” The Deben is known as the jewel of Suffolk and I love it there. The Ramsholt serves good food and good ale. Enjoy!”…what more of a recommendation do you need!

For more information visit www.theramsholtarms.com

Butt and Oyster, Pin Mill, Ipswich

Credit: Butt and Oyster

Arguably one of the most famous pubs for sailors on the East Coast.

The Butt and Oyster is on the south bank of the River Orwell, and was the haunt of bargemen in days gone by.

It is still popular with sailors. With visitor moorings on the river in full view of the pub, you can enjoy a drink with peace of mind.

Sea bass on a bed of noodles. Credit: Butt and Oyster

The Butt and Oyster has an extensive menu ranging from nibbles and starters – like pan seared scallops and crevettes –  to super food salads with quinoa and alfalfa sprouts and the 8oz Proctors pork and apple burger.

Dine alfresco on the patio area, or make use of the additional restaurant area which is upstairs in the pub.

As well as its nautical heritage, the pub also features in Arthur Ransome’s seventh book in the Swallows and Amazons series – We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea.

For more information visit www.debeninns.co.uk/buttandoyster

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Griffin Inn, Dale, Pembrokeshire

Credit: Griffin Inn

This award winning pub is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best places to eat fresh seafood in Pembrokeshire.

It even has its own fishing boat – Griffin Girl – which goes out regularly, the catch making it from sea to plate in just a few hours.

Dishes range of turbot and mackerel to lobster, crab, razor clams and hand dived scallops.

Seafood is a speciality. Credit: Griffin Inn

Home cooked traditional pub food is also available and much of the produce is locally sourced, with the meat coming from a nearby farm in Dale.

Welsh real ale is served at the bar, along with award winning Gethins Pembrokeshire Cyder. Sip a pint on the pub’s terrace, overlooking the tranquil Dale Harbour.

Sheltered from westerly winds, the harbour has an anchorage and pontoon.

For more information visit wwwgriffininndale.co.uk

The Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen

Credit: Ty Coch Inn

Nestled in the Welsh fishing village of Porthdinllaein on the Llŷn Peninsula, the Ty Coch has been a pub since 1842.

Its remote location means that access is only by foot or by boat.

Cars can be parked at the National Trust car park before a 15-20 minute walk to the pub, while boats can anchor in the bay.

The effort is worth it though, with the inn offering spectacular views across to Yr Eifl and Snowdonia.

Grab a spot outside on the beach, soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a tipple.

The inn stocks a range of draft lagers, real ales, ciders and wine.

Food is served daily during high season. Expect traditional pub fare like homemade chilli, local sausages and Ploughman’s salad.

For more information visit www.tycoch.co.uk

The Bridge Inn, Ratho, Edinburgh

Credit: The Bridge Inn

Situated directly above the Union Canal, The Bridge Inn prides itself in using locally produced food.

It even employs its own gardener to tend the produce in the pub’s walled vegetable garden and rears its own pork – the Gloucester Old Spot pigs graze outdoors before giving up their delicious bounty.

During the shooting season, there is also plenty of freshly-shot game on the menu.

Crispy duck leg and roast breast. Credit: The Bridge Inn

Diners can feast on dishes such as seared loin of Scottish roe deer with squash, chard, truffled mushrooms, blackberry gel and jus or a pork trio (smoked bacon rolled loin, braised picked and pressed collar) with crispy black pudding, honeyed carrot and jus.

The pub also offers an extensive gluten free menu and a regular specials board.

You can dine on the terrace or there is the refurbished barge for more private dining.

As you would expect from the winner of AA Pub of the Year Scotland 2014, it stocks a range of Scottish ales brewed across the country, as well as an extensive range of malts.

For more information visit www.bridgeinn.com

The Old Forge, Inverie, Scotland

Credit: Jonathan Pearce/YM

Only accessible by boat or by foot, The Old Forge is the most remote pub in mainland Britain.

It regularly makes the top 10 lists as THE place to drink and eat in Scotland.

Located on the Knoydart peninsula, it serves exceptionally good real ale which you will certainly need after the 18-mile hike over The Munros mountains.

Alternatively you can take the seven-mile ferry crossing from the fishing village of Mallaig.

The Old Forge is ideal for sailors, with 10 private moorings in the Bay of Inverie, as well as facilities such as a shower – book a table on VHF channel 12.

The effort to get to the Old Forge is certainly worth it.

All the seafood on the menu is locally sourced, sustainably caught and from a 7 mile radius of Knoydart.

The famous Knoydart seafood platter is a must have – fresh creel caught Loch Nevis langoustines, local mussels, hand dived Loch Nevis scallops, crab claws and Glenuig smoked salmon served with a market garden salad leaves and bread or chips.

Music is a central part of the Old Forge and the pub has its own collection of instruments – including a cello – should any visitor be inspired to play them.

For more information visit www.theoldforge.co.uk

Daft Eddy’s Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland

Credit: Daft Eddy’s

Situated in its own grounds on the shores of Strangford Lough on Sketrick Island, County Down, Daft Eddy’s is a bar, restaurant and coffee house.

Access is via car – although you will have to drive over a causeway to get here – or by boat. It is just a few minutes walk from Strangford Lough Yacht Club, which can give the best advice on where to anchor.

Daft Eddy’s is renowned for its fresh food – especially its oysters and lobster.

It has an extensive lunchtime menu including dishes such as Strangford Lough crab claws, hot oak smoked salmon served with homemade wheaten bread, guacamole and pickled carrot salad or homemade steak and Guinness pie.

In the evening, choose from the likes of pan fried organic Glenarm salmon served with fried crispy greens and soy, chilli and sesame dressing or braised shoulder of lamb with savoy cabbage, salsa verde and red wine and rosemary jus.

On a sunny day, Daft Eddy’s beer garden really comes into its own, offering stunning views across the lough as you sip your pint.

For more information visit www.daftyeddys.co.uk

The post 10 Most beautiful waterside pubs appeared first on YBW.

Howards’ Way

Filmed on the River Hamble and The Solent, Howards’ Way was the classic 1980s BBC One TV series about the sailing community in the fictional town of Tarrant on the south coast.

The initial series focused on the Howard family, as Tom, who has been made redundant, follows his dream to design and build boats, and invests in the Mermaid Boatyard (in reality the Elephant Boatyard at Bursledon), which is run by Jack Rolfe and his daughter Avril.

The programme also featured brash power boating entrepreneur Ken Masters, who employs Tom’s wife Jan, Howard’s grown up children Leo and Lynne, and a host of other characters such as millionaire businessman, Charles Frere and the Urquhart family.

Howards’ Way ran for six series from 1985 to 2000.

The Onedin Line

Set in Liverpool between 1860 and 1886, The Onedin Line charts the rise of a family run shipping line, owned by the son of a waterside shopkeeper, the ruthless James Onedin.

Running from 1971-1980, the series followed the lives of the Onedin family, and the rivalry between Onedin and his sister, Elizabeth, who along with her husband runs a rival shipping line.

As well as dramatising life in the late 1800s, the TV programme, which ran for eight season, charts the changes in shipping, with the shift from wooden to steel ships, and from sailing to steam ships.

Expect this saga to deliver rivalry and ambition, as well as tempestuous women and stormy seas.

Hornblower

Under the umbrella title, Hornblower, these epic award-winning films are based on some of  C.S. Forester’s classic adventure stories about the Royal Navy officer, Horatio Hornblower.

Set during the 18th century Napoleonic Wars, the series charts the rise of Hornblower, played by Ioan Gruffudd, from a young and shy midshipman to admiral, braving bloody engagements at sea and encounters with ladies.

The series also stars Robert Lindsay and Cherie Lunghi and ran from 7 October 1998 until 6 January 2003.

The River

This gentle BBC romantic comedy stared David Essex as the solitary canal lock-keeper, Davey Jackson, whose life is never the same again after he meets Sarah.

She is forced to stay at Davey’s cottage while she is waiting for repairs to her barge, and the pair fall in love.

The series was screened in 1988 and also featured original music by David Essex.

It was filmed along Wootton Rivers in Wiltshire, and is full of shots of beautiful English countryside.

Triangle

Usually referred to as one of the most derided soaps of all time, Triangle was set, believe it or not, on board a North Sea ferry sailing between Felixstowe and Gothenburg.

The BBC One show, which stared Kate O’Mara, Larry Lamb and Michael Craig, ran from 1981 to 1983.

The show however had its issues. Part of the problem was the series was seen by the audience as dull and gloomy, as it was shot in inclement weather on board an actual ferry in the North Sea.

The script was also seen as stilted and clichéd, which eventually led to it being cancelled after three series.

Black Sails

Set during the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean, around two decades before Treasure Island, Black Sails follows Captain Flint, played by Toby Stephens.

The series see Captain Flint battling to save his home, the former British colony of New Providence Island, from the returning British Navy, and his alliance with Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New).

Characters include a young John Silver, as well as real life pirates, including Anne Bonny and Blackbeard, who are fictionalised in the show.

The final fourth season is currently being shown on Amazon Prime.

TV programme Mutiny to recreate Captain Bligh’s legendary journey of survival

Three Men in a Boat

Recreating the original Jerome K Jerome novel, Dara Ó Briain, Rory McGrath and Griff Rhys Jones take to the River Thames in a wooden skiff.

The BBC Two two-part series follows their sometimes hilarious journey from Kingston-upon-Thames to Oxford and takes in the likes of Henley-on-Thames and Cliveden House.

The format proved so successful that six more series were commissioned – Three Men in Another Boat, Three Men in More Than One boat, Three Men go to Ireland, Three Men go to Scotland, Three Men go to Venice and Three Men go to New England.

Island Race

During his long incarceration as a hostage in Beirut, John McCarthy had a dream of sailing with the wind in his hair.

On his release, he was invited to sail around Britain in three months with his friend, the comedian Sandi Toksvig, and the pair teamed up with Yachting Monthly and Yachting World contributor Tom Cunliffe.

Island Race: An Improbable Voyage Round the Coast of Britain was shown in eight parts on BBC Two in 1995, and showcased the best of British sailing.

The boat used was Cunliffe’s own 1911 Bristol Channel pilot cutter, Hirta.

Great Canal Journeys

The Channel 4 series follows acting couple Timothy West and Prunella Scales as they explore the canals of the UK and Europe.

Running since 2014, Great Canal Journeys has seen the self-confessed “canal nuts” navigate the likes of the  Oxford Canal, the Kennet and Avon, Rochdale and Llangollen in North Wales.

They have also ventured further afield to France, Venice, Sweden and Amsterdam.

These insightful journeys are full of charm, nostalgia, personal insight and heartfelt humour

The series offers a vicarious encounter with the world of slow travel and the camaraderie of canal life as well as the chance to see beautiful countryside.

Timothy Spall…at Sea series

The Timothy Spall at Sea series follows the actor Timothy Spall and his wife Shane as they take their 52-foot-long seagoing (category C) Dutch barge, the Princess Matilda, on a trip around the British Coast.

Their “mini-odyssey” was shown on BBC Four in three series  – Timothy Spall: Somewhere at Sea, Timothy Spall: Back at Sea and Timothy Spall: All at Sea.

As well as mainland Britain, the couple also sailed to Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

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The post Top 10 Sailing and boating TV programmes appeared first on YBW.

According to some of the sailors who have tackled the Whitbread Round the World and Volvo Ocean Race, age is just a number.

They say: “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”, and this is certainly proved by this list.

Take a look back at some of the most iconic young sailors in the event’s four-and-a-half decade history.

Sir Peter Blake

Credit: Getty Images

When: 1973-74, Burton Cutter

Age: 24

He’s known now as one of the Whitbread Round the World’s biggest legends, having competed five times and won once, leading Steinlager 2 to an unprecedented clean sweep of line, handicap and overall honours in 1989-90.

But Blake made his first appearance in the race over a decade and a half earlier, as watch captain onboard Burton Cutter – leading them to a first leg win into Cape Town.

Liu Xue (‘Black’)

Credit: Sam Greenfield/Dongfeng Race Team/Volvo Ocean Race

When: 2014-15, Dongfeng Race Team

Age: 21

Dongfeng’s Chinese star almost didn’t make it to the start line – quitting during training due to homesickness – and it was only some persuasion from team manager, Bruno Dubois, which convinced him to rejoin the troops a few months before the race began.

He captured hearts across China, and went on to win the media war – ending the race as the most mentioned Chinese sailor online.

Lionel Péan

Credit: You Tube

When: 1985-86, L’Esprit d’Equipe

Age: 29

The fourth edition was all about the story of an old boat – and the youngest winning skipper in the race’s history.

With a crew of eight and a 58-foot boat, France’s Péan saw his team battle with UBS Switzerland all around the world, triumphing on overall handicap to scoop the trophy.

A full 25 years later, Péan would once again skipper L’Esprit d’Equipe to victory in the first Legends Regatta and Reunion, complete with his original crew, on the eve of the race start in 2011-12 from Alicante.

Simon Le Bon

Credit: Getty Images/Hutton Archive

When: 1985-86, Drum

Age: 26

What do you do when you’re a global popstar looking to change your lifestyle?

Well, you could ditch the microphone, and join a Whitbread Round the World Race campaign – at least that’s what Duran Duran’s frontman Simon Le Bon did during a band hiatus in the mid-80s.

But the singer didn’t just hop on for the ride, he was determined to do the race as a full crewmember.

“We work the same, sleep the same, eat the same, and that’s how Simon wants it,” said Drum skipper, Skip Novak.

Tracy Edwards

Credit: Tanya Visser/PPL

When: 1989-90, Maiden

Age: 27

When Tracy Edwards had the idea to take part in the Whitbread in 1989-90, she was a 23-year-old charter boat cook with no crew, no sponsorship and no boat.

Hardly anyone believed that she could put a team together to compete.

No all-female team had rounded Cape Horn before – but out on the racetrack, Edwards and her crew made a mockery of predictions that they would not have the strength or the stamina to withstand the world’s most gruelling contest.

Not only did they survive, they proved seriously competitive and won both the Southern Ocean legs of the race in Division D.

Grant Dalton

Credit: Getty Images/Mike Hewitt /Allsport

When: 1981-82, Flyer II

Age: 22

Grant Dalton has six Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Races under his belt, and got his hands on the trophy at the first time of asking, sailing with Dutch legend Conny van Rietschoten onboard Flyer II in the early 80s.

This was Dalton’s first ride in the Whitbread, starting out as a sailmaker, his dream of competing fuelled by the sight of maxis finishing in his home harbour of Auckland four years before.

Iwona Pienkawa

Credit: Pienkawa Archive

When: 1973-74, Otago

Age: 18

Iwona Pienkawa, a tom-boyish, pipe-smoking girl from Gdansk, is one of the forgotten heroes of the race – a pioneer who was one of the first women in the world to sail around Cape Horn and one of the youngest people ever to complete the Whitbread.

At just 18, she managed to convince her father not only to enter a team but also to include her as crew.

She delayed her architecture studies at the Technical University to jump onboard Otago, principally as a chef, but with an agreement to spend a week out of the galley per leg.

She completed all four legs – and received a special trophy from HRH Prince Philip at the prize giving in 1974.

Sadly, Iwona died in a car accident on 31 March 1975 – 17 days before her 20th birthday.

Still, her story lives on in Poland. The book she wrote about her experiences in the first Whitbread was published after her death and achieved bestseller status. “She was an athlete, an artist, a philosopher and a daredevil,” remembers her younger sister Renata.

Matthew Humphries

Credit: Getty Images

When: 1993-94, Dolphin & Youth/Reebok

Age: 22

A five-time race veteran, Matt remains the youngest skipper in the history of the competition, having led Dolphin & Youth/Reebok at just 22 years old.

He completed his first race aged 18, four years earlier, on With Integrity.

It was a real test of his leadership skills, as, heading towards Cape Horn, the crew discovered that two keel bolts had sheared, water was pouring in, and the keel was wobbling dangerously.

“We left as boys and came back as men”, Humphries said.

Steve Hayles

With skipper Lawrie Smith. Credit: Getty Images

When: 1993-94 Dolphin & Youth/Reebok

Age: 20

Steve Hayles was only 20 when he took on the role of navigator on Dolphin and Youth in 1993-94, making him the youngest navigator in the race ever.

“The attitude you have to take is ‘take it on and prove yourself as a young sailor’,” he said in an interview some years later.

Completing the race onboard Dolphin & Youth was the launch pad for Hayles into a highly successful professional racing career.

Alain Gabbay

When: 1977-78, 33 Export

Age: 23

The Frenchman was the youngest skipper at his first attempt in the race – and it proved to be an experience he would never forget.

On Leg 3 from Auckland to Rio de Janeiro, the boat was rolled 140 degrees and the contents of the chart table emptied into the toilet, leaving spanners, files and screwdrivers embedded in the deck head of the galley, floorboards loose and battery boxes smashed all over the floor.

Later, on the same leg, 33 Export broached – water surging across the deck, and slamming Eric Letrosne against the life-rails with such force, it fractured his leg.

He needed urgent attention so when the call for medical help went out, Dr Jean Louis Sabarly on Japy-Hermés reported they were preparing for a rendez-vous.

When a huge swell prevented that, Dr Sabarly jumped into the sea and swam to 33 Export, where he looked after his patient until the boat docked.

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Aston Martin AM37

Perhaps the coolest boat to be launched this year, the Aston Martin AM37 is designed for those who want to live the James Bond lifestyle.

The day cruiser, which can be transformed into an overnight berth thanks to the table folding down into a bed, will set your back an eye-watering £1.3 million.

For that you get (amongst other things) an electro-hydraulic carbon fibre bimini, mood lighting, air-conditioning, refrigerator, microwave oven, a coffee machine and a lavatory, as well as rear seating in the finest leather for up to eight people.

The 37-foot powerboat, which had its world debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, is offered in two versions, with the AM37S expected to reach speeds of 50 knots.

Spirit 47 CR

Credit: Paul Wyeth

Launched at the Southampton Boat Show 2016, the traditionally handcrafted Spirit 47 CR certainly turned heads…and hearts.

Designed for ease of handling, the 47-foot yacht is marketed for long distance cruising or for living aboard.

As a result, it can accommodate up to six people, with the owner’s suite forward boasting a king-sized bed and en-suite facilities. There is also a roomy galley, a guest double cabin, bathroom, saloon, navigation station and spacious aft deck.

An impressive power to weight ratio means it also offers the option for competitive racing.

Sunseeker Manhattan 52

Although it is the smallest flybridge Sunseeker has built in years, the Manhattan 52, leaves nothing out!

The mini beach club, with its mini BBQ, shower and fold away bench seat certainly caught our eye.

Curved glass gives it that sleek look, and convertible helm seating and bi-fold saloon doors makes it feel roomy.

See the test of the Manhattan 52 by MBY’s Jack Haines here.

Elan GT5

Combining performance with the comfort of a larger cruising yacht, the Elan GT5 has been described as “the most eagerly anticipated yacht in the history of the company”.

It was launched at Salon Nautique de Paris in December 2016.

The 42-foot yacht has an easy handling system, and makes the most of space with an inverted saloon layout featuring the galley forward and a separate shower compartment with a 3-cabin, 2-heads interior layout.

Twin rudders, a high-performance T-shaped keel and a chinned hull ensuring the least amount of drag comes as standard.

Oyster 675

Incredibly practical, the Oyster 675 is ideal for long distance sailing, but is also built for speed.

The foredeck stowage for the tender and step-down sunbathing platform really impressed, as did the twin rudder hull by Humphreys Yacht Design.

This is configured and engineered to take a more powerful rig plan than the smaller yachts, with options for carbon masts and rigging and performance sails.

Down below, it doesn’t stint on comfort with two spacious double guest cabins complementing the full beam master suite and a fourth cabin for crew, with options for en suite facilities.

The Oyster 675 was certainly the centre of attention when it showcased at the Southampton Boat Show 2016.

Princess 49

The first Princess flybridge with the IPS pod drive system, the new Princess 49 caused quite a stir when it was unveiled at the 2016 Southampton Boat Show.

Combining high performance, ease of handling and economical seakeeping (it has a cruising speed of 30 knots), this flybridge model did not disappoint.

The flybridge incorporates a twin helm seat, a large L-shaped sofa that converts into a sun pad, and a generous seating area aft with a folding table.

The deck saloon, which leads into the cockpit, is light an airy thanks to the panoramic windows and features an ingenious aft-galley that can be fitted with a full-height fridge/freezer and optional ice maker.

Riva 76 Bahamas

Showcasing the very best of Italian beauty and style, the Riva 76 Bahamas is yet another iconic, award winning boat from this historic yacht company.

It promises ultimate versatility, with the patented C-Top system allowing the boat to be transformed from open to coupé mode.

The 76 Bahamas is rich in technical details, with an aerodynamic hull and generous hull glazing.

As expected from Riva, the interior styling is pure elegance, with a full-beam master suite and two further cabins, all en-suite, and separate crew accommodation.

Seawind 1190 Sport

Larger and lighter than the successful Seawind 1160 range, the Seawind 1190 Sport is designed as a true offshore cruising cat.

It looks a lot longer than its 39 feet thanks to a new cabin moulding and extended hulls, and comes with three cabins as standard.

Designed with performance in mind, the Seawind 1190 Sport has dagger boards and lift up rudders rather than low aspect ratio keels.

It also makes the most of  twin electrically raised 20hp Honda outboards, instead of inboard diesels, to help reduce drag and weight aft.

Bénéteau Figaro 3

Credit: Bénéteau

Although technically not launched yet, there was huge industry excitement when Bénéteau announced it would start sea trials of the Figaro 3 in 2017.

Designed by VPLP and built by Bénéteau, this is one of the most interesting development in keelboat production for a long time.

The 10-metre offshore racing yacht is in build at the moment.

It has horseshoe-shaped hydrofoils that effectively turns the latest Open 60 technology on its head, and is being considered as a bold step for a major manufacturer.

ONAK foldable canoe

One of the quirkiest launches in 2016 has to be the ONAK canoe, which can be folded to the size of a large suitcase.

Incredibly practical, the canoe can take up to three people plus gear; incredibly it weighs just 37 pounds.

This is because the frame of the canoe has been removed; it even comes with telescopic paddles.

Assembled in 10 minutes, it is made out of a custom developed honeycomb-Curv composite material which is 10 times stronger than a normal polypropylene.

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In no particular order, here is YBW’s list of the pioneers who had a huge impact on yachting over the last century.

From record breakers to those who inspired a generation of sailors, these are the men and women who showed incredible determination to achieve their goals.

Tweet us @ybw with your suggestions if your favourite pioneer isn’t on our list!

Éric Tabarly

Éric Tabarly, along with his series of Pen Duick yachts, dominated ocean racing for decades.

The French Naval officer’s original Pen Duick was the family-owned Yum, a William Fife designed gaff-rigged cutter.

Tabarly renamed and refitted the vessel, rebuilding Pen Duick with polyester resin during the 1950s.

But, it was his racing on the 44-foot Pen Duick II which gave Tabarly his legendary status.

In 1964, he took his custom-built light displacement ketch and entered it into the Observer Single-handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR), beating the winner of the race’s first edition, and favourite- Sir Francis Chichester.

For beating the British at their own challenge, Tabarly was awarded France’s Legion D’Honneur. He also received the Blue Water Medal.

His victory in 27 days, 3 hours and 56 minutes led to the popularity of sailing in France. He also nurtured the likes of Alain Colas, Marc Pajot and Olivier de Kersauson, ensuring France’s racing legacy continued.

Success continued for Tarbarly, with wins in the Sydney Hobart and the Fastnet Race in 1967 on the aluminium Pen Duick III.

He took line honours in the 1969 Transpac on his trimaran, Pen Duick IV, as well as setting a new course record.

In 1976, he again won the OSTAR in his André Mauric designed 22-metre ketch, Pen Duick VI.

This edition of the race was particularly tough, with two major depressions forcing a record 50 retirements.

In 1980, he set the transatlantic sailing record from West to East (New York-The Lizard), on the multihull, Paul Ricard.

He did it in 10 days 5 hours 14 minutes and 20 seconds, beating the previous record which was set in 1905.

Tabarly raced in two Whitbread Round the World Races – the first edition in  1973 and in 1994.

In 1997, he won the Fastnet Race with Yves Parlier on Aquitaine Innovations.

Tabarly died in June 1998, when he was knocked overboard and drowned in the Irish Sea. He was sailing the original Pen Duick to Scotland as part of the boat’s centenary celebrations.

His home nation mourned, but his legacy has lived on. French skippers continue to dominate ocean racing today.

Vito Dumas

While nations battled in World War Two, Argentinian single-handed sailor, Vito Dumas set out to circumnavigate the Southern Ocean.

He left Buenos Aires in June 1942 on board his 32-foot Colin Archer ketch, LEHG II with only basic gear on board. He didn’t even have a radio because of fears he might be shot as a spy.

During the voyage through the “Roaring Forties”, he only made three landfalls at Cape Town, New Zealand and Valparaiso, Chile.

At times he was so cold, he had to stuff his clothes with newspaper to keep warm.

Dumas arrived back in Buenos Aires on 8 August 8 1943, 437 days after he set off.

Thousands turned out to greet the man who had become the first solo sailor to round Cape Horn and the first to sail around the world with only three landfalls.

Dumas wrote about the experience in his book Los Cuarenta Bramadores: La Vuelta al Mundo Por la “Ruta Imposible” (Alone Through The Roaring Forties).

Afterwards LEGH II was donated to the Argentine navy. It was later wrecked and then restored before being given to the Museo Naval de la Nacion (Naval Museum of the Nation) at Tigre.

Prior to his Southern Ocean adventure, Dumas had sailed, single-handed, from France to Argentina, in his 26-foot LEGH I, named using the initials of each of his four mistresses’ names at the time.

He left Arcachon in December 1931, arriving after 121 days at the Yacht Club Argentino in Buenos Aires.

The Argentinian skipper was also the first recipient of the Slocum Award in 1956, named in honour of Captain Joshua Slocum.

Dumas was given the award not only for his Southern Ocean feat and his 1931-2 single-handed voyage from France to Argentina, but for his single-handed voyage from Argentina to the United States of America via Bermuda in SIRO in 1956.

Dumas later received the Diploma of Merit of the Konex Awards from his home country. He died of a stroke in 1965.

His sailing legacy lives on through his books which include My Trips, Solo, toward the Southern Cross and The Cruise of the Unexpected.

Bernard Moitessier

The “free spirit” of sailing, Bernard Moitessier surprised some in the sailing community when he decided to quit the 1968-69 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, despite being in front.

The Frenchman had the fastest circumnavigation time, but rather than continue back to England to fame and £5,000, he decided to continue sailing on his 39-foot ketch, Joshua.

He didn’t stop until June 1969 when he made landfall in Tahiti, setting the record for the longest nonstop passage by a yacht – 37,455 nautical miles in 10 months.

Moitessier later wrote about this experiences in La Longue Route; seul entre mers et ciels (The Long Way).

The book has become a classic, outlining Moitessier’s technique for heavy weather sailing.

Born and raised in Vietnam, Moitessier was already something of a sailing legend before the Golden Globe Race.

In 1966, he and his first wife, Françoise returned to France having initially set out with the intention of circumnavigating on Joshua.

Running out of time, Moitessier had decided to sail to France from Tahiti via Cape Horn, rather than taking the longer route via the Indian Ocean.

During this “logical route”, Moitessier drew heavily on the experiences and techniques of Argentinian sailor, Vito Dumas; he had a copy of Dumas’s book Los Cuarenta Bramadores: La Vuelta al Mundo Por la “Ruta Imposible” (Alone Through The Roaring Forties) on board.

When the couple arrived home they discovered, unintentionally, that they had completed the longest nonstop passage by a yacht in history—14,216 nautical miles, over 126 days.

Moitessier’s book, Cap Horn à la voile: 14216 milles sans escale (Cape Horn: The Logical Route) recounts the voyage and was, again, an instant success.

Moitessier continued travelling before he settled in Paris to write his autobiography, Voile, Mers Lointaines, Iles et Lagons (A Sea Vagabond’s World).

His earlier adventures on board his junk Marie-Thérèse and subsequent yacht, Marie-Thérèse II, which he sailed from Indonesia to the Caribbean, were recorded in Un Vagabond des mers du sud (Sailing to the Reefs). The book was published in 1960, and first brought Moitessier to the attention of the world’s sailing community.

He died in June 1994 and is buried in Bono in Brittany, France.

Sir Francis Chichester

Sir Francis Chichester was already an acclaimed aviator and navigator when he made his mark on the sailing world.

The Devon-born sailor is best remembered for his 1966-67 circumnavigation on board his yawl, Gipsy Moth IV, for which he was knighted.

His long-distance sailing career began after his recovery from lung cancer, with the first Observer Single-handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR) in 1960.

The revolutionary race was founded by Blondie Hassler.

Chichester entered and won in his 40-foot yacht, Gipsy Moth III, completing the route from Plymouth to New York City in 40 days, 12 hours and 30 minutes.

Four years later he came second, beaten by French skipper, Éric Tabarly.

Chichester then focussed on what was considered at the time an unimaginable feat of seamanship.

The 65-year-old skipper set sail from Plymouth in his Camper & Nicholson built Gipsy Moth IV to try and beat the passage times of the clipper ships.

He returned to Plymouth on 28 May 1967, having circumnavigated the globe, with one stop in Sydney, in 226 days.

Chichester became a hero –  the first person to achieve a true circumnavigation of the world, solo, from West to East, via the great Capes.

The voyage captured the public’s imagination, and over 250,000 people turned out to see him arrive.

The event was globally televised, and Chichester, along with Gipsy Moth IV became famous around the world.

Chichester was knighted for his feat; the sword used in the ceremony had belonged to Sir Francis Drake, himself a notable sea captain and navigator who carried out the second ever circumnavigation around the world.

Chichester was also put on the newly issued 1/9d stamp, the first living non-royal to appear on one.

Two years after his circumnavigation, Chichester, in Gipsy Moth V attempted to sail 4,000 miles in 20 days, but failed by one day.

He died in Plymouth in August 1972, but left a body of work including Gipsy Moth Circles the World, Alone Across the Atlantic and The Romantic Challenge.

Gipsy Moth IV, after decades of neglect, was eventually restored following a campaign by Yachting Monthly and the United Kingdom Sailing Academy.

It went on to circumnavigate the world again via the trade wind route and the Panama and Suez Canals, arriving back in Plymouth on 28 May 2007.

James Wharram

James Wharram is considered the inventor of the modern day catamaran.

Using his research into ancient Polynesian boat design, he designed and built the first offshore catamaran in Britain, the 23-foot Tangaroa.

At the time, many in the global yachting community dismissed the idea that such a design could be seaworthy.

But Wharram, who was inspired by the journey of Frenchman Eric de Bisschop, who sailed a double canoe from Hawaii to France in 1939, proved them wrong.

In 1955-56, he sailed his “double hulled canoe” from Falmouth, Cornwall to the West Indies with two German girls, Ruth Merseburger (later Wharram) and Jutta Schultze-Rohnhof.

In Trinidad, he built the second 40-foot Polynesia style catamaran, Rongo, with the help of Bernard Moitessier and his friend, Harry Wakelam.

Wharram, Merseburger and Schultze-Rohnhof then continued their voyage, sailing from Trinidad to New York, and then across the Atlantic to Ireland.

They were the first to sail a catamaran west to east across the North Atlantic.

This, and the subsequent book, Two Girls, Two Catamarans, secured Wharram’s place in yachting history.

Wharram, who is now 88, is still designing, building and sailing offshore catamarans from his base in Devoran, Cornwall.

He is one of the most successful multihull designers in the world, having sold more than 10,000 plans for his Wharram self-build catamarans. Ruth Wharram was also a key part of the design team.

He has worked closely with his co-designer Hanneke Boon, creating new building methods such as the lashed crossbeam connections and the Wharram Wingsail Rig.

In 1994-98, Wharram and his partners sailed their flagship, the 63-foot catamaran, Spirit of Gaia into the Pacific and round the world.

Their voyage was to study Indo-Pacific canoe design. Spirit of Gaia is currently being renovated in Greece.

In 2008-9, 50 years after his pioneering Trans-Atlantic crossings, Wharram and Boon sailed in the Lapita Voyage expedition.

The trip, which was conceived by them and the German maritime author, Klaus Hympendahl, followed the ancient migration route into the Pacific.

In two Tama Moana double canoes, designed by Wharram, the crew sailed around 4,000 nautical miles from the Philippines to Tikopia and Anuta in the Solomon Islands.

The boats were subsequently donated to the islands for future transport use.

The voyage was compared to Thor Heyerdahl’s voyage of the Kon-Tiki, in which the Norwegian attempted to prove the Polynesians migrated into the Pacific from South America.

Eric & Susan Hiscock

Few sailors start ocean cruising without at least one of Eric Hiscock’s books on board.

Together with his crew, wife Susan, he chronicled his sailing adventures and wrote technical books including Cruising Under Sail and Voyaging Under Sail.

Hiscock and his wife were one of the few people in the 1950s cruising the world for pleasure on small sail boats.

They were the world’s most famous cruising couple of their day.

Their first circumnavigation was on board the now legendary Wanderer III between 1952-1955.

The subsequent book, Around the World in Wanderer III, was popular, and sparked a series of books about their later voyages on board the 30 foot Laurant Giles sloop, as well as their other vessels Wanderer IV and Wanderer V.

Hiscock was the first recipient of the Yachtsman of the Year award in 1955.

He was presented with the ‘Knighthood of Yachting’ for his three-year circumnavigation with Susan in Wanderer III.

This sloop is the only vessel to have won America’s Blue Water Medal under both sets of owners.

It is presented for “meritorious seamanship and adventure upon the sea displayed by amateur sailors of all nationalities, that might otherwise go unrecognized.”

Hiscock died on board Wanderer V in Whangarei, New Zealand in 1986.

Susan Hiscock continued for several years sailing solo in Wanderer V before returning to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

She bought an 11-foot scow, and apparently won her first-ever race at Yarmouth Sailing Club, aged 80. Susan died in 1995.

Tracy Edwards

A trailblazer for women sailors, Tracy Edwards skippered the first all-female crew in the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race.

Her 12 crew on board the 58-foot yacht, Maiden defied the critics by winning two legs and finishing second in its class, the best performances in the race by a British boat since 1977.

Edwards had never really sailed until she landed a job as a stewardess on board a motor yacht in Greece when she was 16.

Her boyfriend had taken part in a Whitbread race which inspired her to do the same.

She initially sailed on Norsk Data GB before joining the crew of the Atlantic Privateer for the 1985-86 Whitbread – the only woman on board.

Edwards realised that of the 200 crew members in the race, only five were women. This inspired her, at the age of 27, to enter the Maiden crew for the 1989-90 Whitbread, despite the hostility she received.

She was awarded an MBE and became the first woman to be voted ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ by the Yachting Journalists’ Association.

In 1998 Edwards assembled an all-female crew for the 1998 Jules Verne trophy. 

The crew were on course to break the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world with no stopping and no outside assistance when they hit storms off the coast of Chile.

The mast of their 92 foot catamaran, Royal and SunAlliance, broke in the storm ending their attempt. It took the crew 16 days to reach the shore, and Edwards has said that she will always be proud that they didn’t need rescuing.

Edwards has since retired from sailing and is now a motivational speaker.

She launched a campaign to save Maiden in 2006 after discovering it was rotting in a marina in the Indian Ocean.

It has been restored in Cape Town, South Africa, and fundraising is underway to bring the yacht back to the UK.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

A legend in his own lifetime, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston first shot to fame after he became the first person to sail single handed and non-stop around the world.

He was the only entrant in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race to complete the challenge on 22 April 1969 on board his 32-foot Bermuda ketch, Suhaili.

In recognition of his achievement, he was created a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).

A former Merchant Navy officer, Knox-Johnston, had previously sailed Suhaili from Bombay, India to the UK via Arabia and the Cape of Good Hope in 1965-7.

In 1969, Knox-Johnston and Leslie Williams bought the 71-foot ketch, Ocean Spirit. At the time, the Ocean 71 hull was the largest GRP boat ever moulded.

They entered the 1970 Round Britain Race and won it by two days – the only time the race has been won by a monohull.

Knox-Johnston repeated this success in 1974, this time with Gerry Boxall on the Rod Macalpine-Downie designed catamaran, British Oxygen.

Ocean Spirit, crewed by Knox-Johnston, Williams and the late Sir Peter Blake, went on to take line honours in the inaugural Cape Town to Rio Race in 1971.

Knox-Johnston, Williams and Blake reunited again for the 1977-78 Whitbread Round the World Race.

Knox-Johnston skippered the 77-foot, John Sharp-designed maxi sloop, Condor to line honours in two legs. Blake would later win the 1989–90 Whitbread race, skippering Steinlager 2 to an unprecedented clean sweep of line, handicap and overall honours on each of the race’s six legs.

In 1994, Knox-Johnston and Blake co-skippered the remodelled Nigel Irens designed catamaran, Enza New Zealand to take the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation of the world.

They did it in 74 days 22 hours 18 minutes, and set a new world record.

In 1995, Knox-Johnston was knighted, and the following year established the Clipper Around the World Yacht race, opening the sport to novice sailors.

In 2006/07, to prove that age was no barrier, Knox-Johnston entered the VELUX 5 Ocean Race. At 68, he was the oldest competitor in the race.

On 4 May 2007, he defied the critics by completing his second solo circumnavigation of the world in the Open 60 Fila, SAGA Insurance. Overall, he finished 4th place in the VELUX.

Over the last five decades, Knox-Johnston has been honoured for his contribution to global sailing and racing.

He has been named UK Yachtsman of the Year four times.

In 2010, he was awarded the Cruising Club of America’s Blue Water Medal for the advancement of sailing, sail training and youth development.

Knox-Johnson has also received the Royal Cruising Club Seamanship Medal, Silk Cut Nautical award Seamanship Trophy, the Royal Institute of Navigation’s Gold Medal for experiments with renaissance navigation and The Maritime Trust’s Cutty Sark Medal, to name just a few.

On 1994, the ISAF named him as World Sailor of the Year, and in 2008 he entered the ISAF Hall of Fame.

He is also a past president of the Sail Training Association, has been elected a Younger Brother of Trinity House, is a Freeman of the City of London and was elected president of the Little Ship Club in 1995.

Dame Naomi James

Dame Naomi James made history on the 8 June 1978, when she sailed into Dartmouth on board her storm-battered sloop, Express Crusader.

Not only was she the first woman to have sailed single-handed around the world via Cape Horn, but she had also done it in 272 days.

This beat Sir Francis Chichester’s round-the-world sailing record by two days.

Quite a feat for the 29-year-old who had only learnt to sail three years earlier, and had only learnt to swim at the age of 23.

James was initially an unlikely sailor, growing up on a sheep farm in New Zealand.

She decided to sail to Europe in search of adventure and in St Malo, France in the summer of 1975 met her future husband Rob James. At the time he was skippering yachts for Chay Blyth.

As their relationship blossomed, so did James’ sea legs and she decided, with the backing of her husband, to attempt the circumnavigation.

Blyth even lent her his boat, the Spirit of Cutty Sark, which was later renamed Express Crusader.

In later interviews, James admitted her sailing skills were far from perfect, but she pushed on, even when faced with damage to her yacht’s rigging and a knockdown in a storm.

Dame Naomi and her husband went on to win the 1982 Around Britain Race on board their catamaran, Colt Cars. She hasn’t sailed since.

In March 1983, Rob James, 36, died in Salcombe Harbour when he fell into the sea from Colt Cars. He had been moving the boat from Cowes to Salcombe.

Dame Naomi currently lives in Ireland and has written several books including At One with the Sea: Alone Around The World and At Sea on Land.

David Lewis

At the age of 55, Dr David Lewis set sail on his 32 foot steel cutter, Ice Bird with the aim of circumnavigating the Antarctic continent.

At the time, no one was known to have sailed solo to Antarctica.

He left Sydney, Australia on 19 October 1972.

Just over 14 weeks later, Lewis, with frost-bitten hands and a nearly wrecked Ice Bird, limped into the American Antarctic base.

Lewis had capsized three times and been dismasted twice in hurricane-force storms. He had sailed the last 2,500 nautical miles under jury rig.

He described the incredible voyage in his memoirs, Shapes of the Wind – a fascinating account of a sailor pushed to the very edge of endurance in some of the most inhospitable seas on earth.

Lewis, who was born in Plymouth, never completed his circumnavigation of the continent.

He left Ice Bird at Palmer while he accepted an invitation from National Geographic to write about his expertise ancient Polynesian navigation.

In his absence, Ice Bird has been repaired and eight months later he set sail from Palmer station, getting caught in a heavy ice field. After again capsizing, he abandoned the voyage and made landfall in Cape Town.

His book, Ice Bird, recounts the vessel’s trip. Ice Bird was eventually sailed back to Sydney and was donated to the Powerhouse Museum.

Lewis’ studies on the traditional systems of navigation used by the Polynesians was one of his lasting legacies, and are documented in his book, We, the Navigators.

He used these methods while sailing around the world on Rehu Moana with this family in the 1960s. This was the first catamaran to complete a circumnavigation of the world.

Lewis was also one of the skippers to enter the first Observer Single-handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR) in 1960, which was won by Sir Francis Chichester.

He came third after repairs to Cardinal Vertue lost him two days of racing, which are recounted in the book, The Ship Would Not Sail Due West.

Lewis received many awards. These included Australian Geographic magazine’s Adventurer of the Year in 1998, the Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Bernard Fergusson Trophy as New Zealand’s Yachtsman of the Year 1965.

He died in Queensland in October 2002.

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